IBADAN, NIGERIA – Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called for national unity and the strengthening of institutions to effectively tackle the complex security challenges posed by global fragility. Speaking at the University of Ibadan on Thursday, July 24, 2025, General Musa delivered a public lecture titled “Global Fragility and Security Management in Nigeria,” drawing a large audience of academics, military personnel, and policy experts.
General Musa provided an in-depth assessment of how global instability, driven by factors such as terrorism, climate change, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions, creates complex security challenges for Nigeria and other developing nations. He cited the collapse of governance in Libya and instability in the Sahel as examples that have led to the proliferation of arms and extremist ideologies now fuelling insecurity in Nigeria. He also highlighted the security implications of environmental stress, such as the shrinking Lake Chad Basin, which has displaced millions, and the impact of global economic shocks and foreign-backed disinformation campaigns.
To counter these multi-dimensional threats, the CDS outlined Nigeria’s evolving security framework, which integrates efforts from security agencies, civil institutions, local communities, and international partners. He highlighted progress in leveraging technology like UAVs and AI for intelligence-driven operations, community-led security initiatives, and regional collaborations within ECOWAS and the Multinational Joint Task Force. General Musa warned that Nigeria still faces significant challenges, including porous borders, weak governance in rural areas, and external pressures. He proposed four pillars for long-term national resilience: strengthening institutions, economic empowerment, building community resilience, and strengthening global partnerships.
He concluded by urging Nigerian academic institutions to contribute to national security through research and mentorship, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting the country and emphasising that “Security is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope.”
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