Defence Minister Calls for Holistic National Security Approach

On June 12, Defence Minister Christoph Gwabin Musa, a retired general, stated that achieving true national security in Nigeria requires more than just military force. He declared that the defeat of ignorance and hopelessness is essential for the flourishing of democracy.

Musa paid tribute to the sacrifices made for Nigeria's democracy and warned that modern security threats necessitate a rapid, technology-driven evolution of the nation’s defense strategy. He acknowledged the Nigerian Armed Forces' milestones, including the neutralization of key terrorist leaders and the disruption of major criminal networks.

However, he pointed out that contemporary threats such as banditry, kidnapping, and cybercrime are highly adaptive and increasingly interconnected, often exploiting social media to spread misinformation and exacerbate social divisions. Musa's remarks were part of a special editorial platform focused on governance, democracy, and national security.