Defence Minister Advocates Whole-of-Society Approach To Tackling Insecurity

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), on Sunday called for a whole-of-society approach to addressing Nigeria's growing security challenges, stressing that military operations alone can no longer guarantee national security.

Musa made the call at the Nigerian People's Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja.

According to him, contemporary security threats, including terrorism, banditry, cybercrime and vandalism of critical infrastructure, have become increasingly sophisticated, technology-driven and often sustained by local support networks.

The minister said tackling such threats requires stronger collaboration among government institutions, the private sector and local communities.

"National security can no longer be achieved through military efforts alone. It requires a coordinated approach involving all stakeholders and citizens working together to deny criminal elements safe havens and provide timely intelligence," he said.

Musa identified effective government leadership and coordination, sustained investment in local defence innovation and industrial capacity, and stronger community partnerships built on trust and accountability as the three pillars of a modern security ecosystem.

He also advocated structured and regulated public-private partnerships to improve intelligence gathering, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen rapid response mechanisms while ensuring compliance with national laws and regulations.

The minister further outlined five priority areas for advancing national security, including strengthening legal and policy frameworks, establishing secure information-sharing platforms, promoting local defence manufacturing, investing in training and professional development, and deepening community engagement.

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, , called for a comprehensive, community-driven and non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity.

Kalu emphasised the importance of dialogue, inclusive governance and public-private collaboration, noting that the recent passage of the State Police Bill by the House represented a significant step towards decentralising the country's security architecture.

Similarly, advocated a holistic and technology-driven security strategy, arguing that military action alone could not deliver lasting peace.

He stressed the need to address underlying causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment and weak governance while promoting reliable data systems, grassroots governance and indigenous capacity development.

Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to safeguarding the country, adding that sustainable security remains a collective responsibility.

He urged all stakeholders to work together towards building a safer, more resilient and prosperous Nigeria.