The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), on Thursday declared that terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other violent criminals must not be allowed to define Nigeria, stressing that security remains the foundation upon which democracy, development and national prosperity thrive.

Speaking at the June 12 Special Edition of The Platform Africa, themed "Governance, Democracy and National Security," Musa said the country's democratic gains can only be sustained through collective efforts to secure lives, property and national institutions.

The Defence Minister described June 12 as a defining symbol of Nigeria's democratic struggle, resilience and collective aspiration, noting that democracy was earned through sacrifice, courage and the determination of citizens who believed in the power of their votes and voices.

According to him, while democracy guarantees legitimacy, security provides the stability required for citizens to enjoy the dividends of democratic governance.

"No democracy can flourish where fear dominates daily life. No democracy can deliver prosperity where violence disrupts communities. No democracy can fully mature if citizens lose confidence in the ability of the state to protect them," he said.

Musa argued that security should not be viewed solely through the prism of military operations and weapons, but as the creation of an environment where citizens can live without fear, pursue opportunities, educate their children and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The minister identified terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, kidnapping, organised criminality, arms trafficking, oil theft and cyber threats as some of the major security challenges confronting the nation.

He noted that the nature of contemporary threats had become increasingly complex, with criminal and extremist networks exploiting technology, social divisions and weak governance spaces to advance their activities.

According to him, modern security management requires a combination of intelligence, technology, institutional coordination, regional cooperation and national resilience.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, Musa said significant gains had been recorded in recent years through intensified military operations and improved inter-agency collaboration.

He said terrorist leaders had been neutralised, criminal networks disrupted and operational capabilities strengthened across several theatres of operation.

The minister, however, admitted that insecurity remains a concern for many Nigerians, insisting that the true measure of security lies in the confidence citizens have in their homes, communities and workplaces.

"A farmer unable to access his farmland, a traveller worried about a highway journey, or a parent concerned about the safety of a child are realities that matter," he stated.

On the future of national defence, Musa said technology would play a critical role in shaping security operations, citing artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities, data analytics and information operations as emerging tools that nations must embrace.

He called for increased investment in indigenous innovation, defence research and development, as well as stronger collaboration with universities, engineers, scientists and technology entrepreneurs.

The Defence Minister also warned against the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, saying social media platforms have increasingly been used to spread falsehood, recruit criminals and undermine national unity.

He urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and embrace peace, patriotism and responsible citizenship.

Musa further stressed that national security remains a shared responsibility involving government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media, the private sector and ordinary citizens.

Addressing young Nigerians, he urged them to safeguard the democratic gains secured through the June 12 struggle and work towards strengthening the nation's democratic institutions.

"The generation that fought for June 12 secured democracy. Our responsibility is to secure it, strengthen it and pass it on stronger than we received it," he said.

The minister concluded by expressing confidence in Nigeria's ability to overcome its security challenges, insisting that no meaningful economic growth or national development can occur without security.

Quoting , he said, "Nigeria will not surrender to fear. We will not allow terrorists, bandits, kidnappers or violent extremists to define who we are as a people."

He added that with unity, resilience and collective commitment, Nigeria would continue to triumph over its security challenges and consolidate its democratic gains.