The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the country is making steady progress in tackling insecurity, expressing confidence that citizens will soon be able to sleep peacefully without fear.
Musa gave the assurance in Abuja over the weekend at the 7th OurNigeria News Awards, where he was honoured alongside other distinguished Nigerians for leadership and national service.
Describing the award ceremony as inspiring, the minister said it was gratifying to be recognised at home for efforts aimed at securing the nation.
Responding to questions on Nigeria’s security outlook, Musa said conditions are improving daily, stressing that lasting peace is achievable through collective effort.
“We are improving by the day. We all need to put our hands together. It is a whole-of-society approach to peace, and we are heading there,” he said.
He commended Nigerians for their resilience and continued faith in the country, urging citizens not to lose hope despite ongoing challenges. According to him, public support remains critical to the success of security operations nationwide.
The defence minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing everything possible to ensure peace and stability across the country, adding that recent international engagements form part of deliberate efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
He disclosed that Nigeria recently concluded high-level security engagements in Türkiye, where agreements were signed to enhance the country’s capacity to combat insecurity.
Explaining the persistence of insecurity, Musa described Nigeria’s situation as a complex form of modern warfare, noting that the country is facing asymmetric threats rather than conventional state-to-state conflict.
“In asymmetric warfare, the enemy is within. That makes it more dangerous. You can’t see it on someone’s face. Someone you think is your friend could turn around and attack you,” he explained.
He warned that criminal elements thrive when communities provide them with safe havens, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and proactive in supporting security agencies.
“If you see any criminal activity—whether banditry, kidnapping, terrorism or insurgency—please report it immediately, and action will be taken,” he said.
Musa added that Nigeria’s security challenges are not unique, describing insecurity as a global and continental problem.
“Nobody ever imagined that someone would strap a bomb to kill fellow citizens, yet it is happening. And it’s not only Nigeria; it’s happening across Africa and the world,” he noted.
Despite the challenges, the minister expressed strong optimism about Nigeria’s future, describing the country as resilient and divinely blessed.
“Nigeria is a great country. Nobody can push us aside. United as Nigerians, we will be the strongest force ever,” he said.
