Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), has reiterated a firm stance against insecurity, urging Nigerians to refuse shelter or support to bandits, kidnappers, terrorists and other criminal elements as part of a broader effort to end the nation’s persistent security challenges. General Musa made the remarks during the 7th OurNigeria News Awards ceremony in Abuja, emphasising that public cooperation remains essential to tackling modern criminal threats facing the country.
Speaking to a gathering of security stakeholders, dignitaries and civil society representatives, Musa described the security situation as a form of “asymmetric warfare”, stressing that criminal networks thrive when they are provided with concealment or assistance — whether knowingly or unwittingly — by members of the community. He warned that such groups often integrate themselves into everyday society, making it harder for security services to detect and neutralise them without actionable intelligence from the public.
“You cannot see it on someone’s face; it could be someone you think is your friend,” Musa said, underscoring the complexity of the current security environment and the need for citizens to be vigilant and proactive. He urged Nigerians to promptly report any suspicious activities or individuals involved in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or insurgency to law enforcement agencies so that decisive action can be taken.
The Defence Minister highlighted that reliance on military force alone is insufficient to secure peace and stability. Instead, he advocated for a whole‑of‑society approach where communities collaborate with security agencies to share information, support intelligence‑gathering efforts and reinforce national resilience against criminal infiltration. This reflects a shift in strategy towards empowering citizens as active partners in national security, rather than passive observers.
General Musa also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their perseverance and continued support for government efforts to restore peace, noting that progress — while incremental — is evident. He referenced recent steps taken by the federal government to bolster security, including strengthened international partnerships and agreements aimed at improving cooperation and information sharing with other nations. These efforts, he said, are part of a sustained drive to enhance Nigeria’s overall security architecture.
The minister’s comments come amid ongoing insecurity across various parts of the country, particularly in the North‑West, North‑East and North‑Central regions, where groups engaged in banditry, kidnapping and insurgency have continued to perpetrate violence, destabilise communities and disrupt economic activity. Authorities have repeatedly highlighted the importance of citizen engagement and prompt reporting as critical levers in weakening criminal networks that exploit community cover and weak intelligence flows for their operations.
Security analysts have noted that community cooperation — including the abandonment of shelter for criminals and the active sharing of timely intelligence — can significantly enhance the effectiveness of military and law enforcement operations. When residents refuse to harbour or assist criminals, it reduces the ability of these groups to move freely, reorganise or evade capture, thereby increasing pressure on them and improving prospects for lasting peace.
Musa’s appeal resonates with broader calls from government and civil society aimed at fostering public participation in national security matters. While robust military operations remain essential, the Defence Minister’s remarks underscore that sustainable peace also hinges on societal commitment to collective action, information sharing and rejection of all forms of complicity with criminal actors.
As Nigeria navigates its security landscape, General Musa’s message serves both as a reminder of the challenges ahead and a call to unity — urging citizens not only to trust in the capabilities of security forces but also to contribute actively to the nation’s safety and stability by refusing to grant criminals refuge anywhere within the country.
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