No single service can tackle Nigeria’s insecurity alone – Defence minister

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa. Photo: State House

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The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has emphasised that addressing Nigeria’s complex security threats requires collective effort, stating that no single service or individual can handle the challenges alone.

He also noted that the operational capacity of terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal elements has been significantly degraded across multiple theatres.

Musa made the remarks at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025, held on Monday at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Lagos State.

The minister said that the gains reflected the courage of troops, improved planning and execution, as well as the growing impact of coordinated operations conducted within a joint and multi-agency framework.

“The reality remains that no single service, institution or individual can address today’s security challenges alone.

“Success can only be sustained through unity of effort, joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning and close collaboration among security agencies.

“As we pursue operational success, we must never lose sight of the human dimension of military service,” he said.

Musa added that the conference remained a vital strategic forum for the Nigerian Army to review its operational posture, assess its readiness and professionalism, and align its future direction with national security priorities.

“The importance of this conference cannot be overstated, particularly in light of the complex and evolving security environment confronting our nation.

“Nigeria continues to face a combination of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime and other asymmetric threats that demand sustained strategic focus, clarity of purpose and adaptive leadership,” he said.

The minister said that security remains a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide strategic direction, policy support and capability development to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain professional, responsive and future‑ready.

“The minister will also strengthen institutional frameworks that promote accountability and effectiveness,” he said.

Musa honoured the memory of gallant personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation, whose courage continues to inspire collective resolve.

He particularly acknowledged the family of the late former COAS, Lt.-Gen., as well as Brig.-Gen. Uba and all personnel who have made sacrifices in the line of duty.

“In addition, we recognise our wounded personnel and the families who bear the enduring physical, emotional and psychological costs of service.

“Their welfare, medical care and long-term support remain a sacred obligation that must be upheld without compromise,” the minister said.

Musa commended the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his vast operational experience, particularly in the North-East, and for the leadership he continues to provide.

“However, experience alone is not enough; we must continually ask ourselves what more can be done differently to decisively defeat enemies of the state.

“We must evolve new strategies and remain proactive, innovative and resolute,” he said.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that there could be no enduring progress without security, and no security without a capable, disciplined, and professional military.

He noted that today’s Nigerian Army operates in an era defined by complex and evolving threats—terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime and other non-traditional security challenges.

“Addressing these threats requires intelligence-led operations, adaptability and robust inter-agency cooperation. Encouragingly, the Nigerian Army has continued to evolve in response to these realities.

“I have observed with pride the ongoing restructuring and modernisation of the Army, the introduction of new platforms, improved training doctrines and a renewed emphasis on professionalism,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said that these efforts clearly reflect an institution deliberately repositioning itself to meet the demands of a modern, constitutionally guided force.

Sanwo-Olu affirmed that the Lagos State Government remains steadfast in its support for the Nigerian Army, both within the state and beyond.

The COAS said that the conference provided an invaluable platform for strategic reflection, robust engagement, and the exchange of ideas on how best to strengthen civil-military cooperation.

“The gathering will also help deepen inter-agency collaboration and enhance our collective response to security challenges confronting our nation,” he said.

Shaibu added that the Nigerian Army is deliberately transforming into a more professional, adaptive, and technology-driven force, capable of effectively addressing both conventional and asymmetric threats.

He thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the welfare, professionalism, and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

(NAN)

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