Defence Minister Calls for Whole-of-Society Approach to National Security
Defence Minister Calls for Whole-of-Society Approach to National Security
Defence Minister Calls for Whole-of-Society Approach to National Security
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has called for stronger collaboration among communities, traditional institutions, local governments, security agencies and all levels of government to build a sustainable national security framework.
Speaking at the ARISE TV Town Hall Meeting on Building a National Consensus for State Police and National Security in Abuja, the minister said lasting security can only be achieved through a unified approach that combines military efforts with active participation from citizens and community stakeholders.
General Musa, who joined other panellists and security experts at the forum, stressed that while military operations remain critical in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes, they must be complemented by a whole-of-society strategy anchored on intelligence sharing, trust and effective collaboration.
According to him, local governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community members all have vital roles to play in strengthening early warning systems, supporting intelligence gathering and preventing criminal groups from operating within their communities.
The Defence Minister noted that Nigeria’s security challenges have become increasingly complex due to the nature of asymmetric warfare, where criminal elements often conceal themselves among the civilian population.
He explained that this reality makes community cooperation indispensable, as security agencies rely heavily on timely and credible information from residents to identify and neutralise threats before they escalate.
General Musa therefore urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing actionable intelligence, describing public participation as a key component of the country’s efforts to restore lasting peace and strengthen national security.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to develop a more responsive and resilient security architecture capable of addressing emerging threats across the country.
Defence Minister Calls for Whole-of-Society Approach to National Security
