Why insecurity thrives in Nigeria  – Defence Minister

Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that insecurity continues to thrive in Nigeria when individuals and communities shield bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements from security agencies.

Musa stated this on Saturday night in Abuja.

According to him, Nigeria is confronting a complex form of modern conflict that cannot be defeated by military action alone, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to ending criminality.

“This is asymmetric warfare. It is not like conventional warfare where you are fighting another country. In this case, the enemy is within, and that makes it more dangerous,” he said.

The minister explained that criminals often live and operate within communities, disguising themselves as ordinary citizens, which makes intelligence sharing and prompt reporting essential.

“You cannot see it on someone’s face. It could be someone you think is your friend or someone you trust. That is why people must not give criminals any safe haven,” Musa said.

He urged Nigerians to report any form of criminal activity, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and insurgency, assuring that security agencies would respond decisively.

Musa noted that the security situation across the country was gradually improving, attributing the progress to sustained military operations, enhanced intelligence gathering and growing public support.

“We are getting there. It is improving by the day. Peace is a whole-of-society effort, and everyone has a role to play,” he said.
Earlier in a goodwill message, the Emir of Doma Kingdom, Alhaji Ahmadu Onawu, described OurNigeria as more than a publication, saying it represents a message of patriotism, hope and national renewal.

Onawu said Nigeria was blessed with exceptional human capital and abundant natural resources, stressing that the country had no reason to remain poor.

According to him, the major challenge confronting the nation was not lack of blessings but failure to fully deploy human and material resources towards nation-building and sustainable development.

He urged Nigerians, regardless of status, to take responsibility for building a prosperous and self-reliant nation, warning that future generations would judge the present by what it leaves behind.

Why insecurity thrives in Nigeria  – Defence Minister