ABUJA — Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has warned that military power alone is insufficient to guarantee lasting national security, arguing that true stability requires tackling ignorance and hopelessness.
Speaking on Friday at a special edition of “The Platform Nigeria” to mark democracy day, Gen Musa paid tribute to the historical sacrifices made to establish Nigeria’s democracy, but cautioned that the country’s military strategy must rapidly evolve in the face of modern, technology-driven threats.
Delivering a presentation titled “Securing Our Nation,” the minister emphasized the critical link between safety and economic prosperity, stating that meaningful financial gains cannot be sustained without a secure environment.
“When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on boots on the ground, air power, or intelligence gathering,” the minister said. “But true and lasting security is anchored on one critical element: the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness. No democracy can flourish where fear dominates daily life.”
In a balanced assessment of Nigeria’s current security landscape, Gen Musa highlighted recent milestones achieved by the Armed Forces, including the neutralization of high-profile terrorist leaders and the disruption of key criminal syndicates.
However, the minister acknowledged that the nation continues to face a complex web of adaptive threats, citing banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and transnational violent extremism. He noted that these decentralized networks increasingly use social media platforms to spread misinformation and exploit deep-seated social divisions.
The conference, a prominent public policy forum, was held under the theme: “Governance, Democracy and National Security.”
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