Pix: Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa,

The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, reiterated the critical role of community engagement and intelligence sharing in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges during the 2025 Annual People’s Security Monitor Security Summit and Recognition Award ceremony. He was represented at the event by Major General Bala Isandu (Rtd).

Speaking on the topic “Building a Safer Nation Through Collective Responsibility,” the theme of the event, which he described as “germane and close to my heart,” General Musa highlighted the importance of operational information and the collective responsibility of Nigerians in safeguarding the nation. “Give us operational information, and security is everybody’s business,” he noted, underscoring two principles he has consistently promoted throughout his career..

General Musa traced his military career back to 1991, when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, and shared how his commitment to professional, patriotic, and disciplined service has guided him through successive appointments, culminating in his role as Chief of Defence Staff, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

“As Chief of Defence Staff, I made it my duty to ensure that the military defended our hard-earned democracy and protected the government of the day,” he said. “I have held this oath throughout my service, and I continue to uphold it in my new role as Minister of Defence.”

The Defence Minister reiterated that security challenges facing Nigeria are not insurmountable. He emphasised that the fight against crime and insecurity must involve the entire citizenry, noting that law enforcement agencies cannot tackle these issues in isolation.

He further stressed the value of intelligence gathering from communities, explaining that timely information shared with security agencies can significantly enhance operational efficiency and preempt potential threats. “Give us information,” he said, “because it is crucial to security operations across the country.”

Major General Bala Isandu (Rtd), representing the Defence Minister, highlighted General Musa’s continued advocacy for professional military conduct and community-oriented security initiatives, reminding participants that the principles he espoused as Chief of Defence Staff remain central to national security policy today.

Participants at the summit, including security professionals, policymakers, and civil society leaders, praised General Musa’s emphasis on collaborative approaches and public participation in security matters. Many described his message as inspiring and a timely reminder of the importance of unity in safeguarding the nation.

In conclusion, the Defence Minister’s address reinforced the message that Nigeria’s security challenges are solvable through partnership between security agencies and communities, disciplined military leadership, and active citizen engagement. His principles of intelligence sharing and shared responsibility continue to guide both military operations and national policy, offering hope for a safer Nigeria.