Defence Minister Critiques Lack of National Crime Database

General Christoph Musa (rtd), the Defence Minister of Nigeria, expressed concerns regarding the lack of a national database for tracking criminals, stating that security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, are operating without essential tools, which makes their work akin to "performing magic." During a keynote address at the Nigerian People's Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026, he highlighted that the absence of a centralized database undermines investigative intelligence and complicates the identification of suspects. Musa pointed out that criminal activities are increasingly sophisticated, utilizing advanced technology and exploiting societal issues like poverty and unemployment.

He stressed the critical importance of public cooperation in combating crime and noted that security threats require a departure from traditional governmental approaches. The Defence Minister advocated for a stronger role for the private sector in national security, suggesting that partnerships with private security companies and technology firms could enhance intelligence gathering and infrastructure protection.