Being the Text of a Speech by the Honourable Minister of Defence,
General Christopher Musa,
at the 2025 Annual People’s Security Monitor Security Summit
and Recognition Awards Ceremony

Delivered by Major General Bala Isandu (Rtd)

Distinguished guests, Your Excellencies, senior government officials, heads of security agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers, community leaders, esteemed colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply honoured to address this distinguished gathering at the 2025 Annual People’s Security Monitor Security Summit and Recognition Awards. I commend the organisers for their foresight and sustained commitment to advancing national security dialogue in Nigeria. The theme of this summit, “Building a Safer Nation Through Collective Responsibility,” is timely, relevant, and very close to my heart.

Nigeria today faces complex and evolving security challenges that demand collective reflection and coordinated action. Across different regions of our country, we are confronted with threats ranging from terrorism and insurgency to banditry, kidnapping, organised crime, cyber threats, and communal tensions. These challenges are not unique to Nigeria, but their impact on our people, economy, and national unity makes it imperative that we address them with sincerity, innovation, and resolve. Security is no longer the exclusive responsibility of the armed forces or law enforcement agencies. It is a shared national duty that requires the active participation of all citizens.

Throughout my career in the Nigerian Army, I have held firmly to the belief that security is everybody’s business. This principle has guided my actions and decisions from the very beginning of my service. When citizens understand that their safety is interconnected with the safety of their neighbours and communities, they become active partners in the protection of our nation. I have consistently emphasised that when security agencies are provided with timely and credible operational information, our capacity to prevent crime and respond effectively is greatly enhanced.

Community engagement remains one of the most critical elements of sustainable security. Our communities are the first to observe unusual movements, suspicious activities, and early warning signs of threats. When trust exists between security agencies and the people, information flows more freely, cooperation improves, and interventions become more effective. Building this trust requires professionalism, respect for human rights, transparency, and continuous dialogue. Security operations must be conducted in a manner that reassures the public and strengthens confidence in state institutions.

Intelligence sharing, particularly at the grassroots level, is a force multiplier in national security efforts. Timely intelligence can prevent attacks, dismantle criminal networks, and save innocent lives. I therefore encourage all Nigerians to see information sharing as an act of patriotism and civic responsibility. Silence in the face of danger only empowers criminals and undermines collective safety. Information shared promptly and responsibly strengthens our ability to act decisively and protect our nation.

Permit me to reflect briefly on my journey in military service. I was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1991 as a Second Lieutenant, and from that moment, I committed myself to professional, disciplined, and patriotic service to our great country. Over the years, I have served in various capacities, each of which reinforced my belief in the importance of integrity, loyalty, and dedication to duty. These values guided me through successive appointments and culminated in my appointment as Chief of Defence Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

As Chief of Defence Staff, I made it a personal duty to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained professional, apolitical, and firmly committed to defending our hard-earned democracy. The oath to protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to defend the government of the day is one I have upheld throughout my service. That same oath continues to guide me in my present role as Minister of Defence. The stability of our democracy and the unity of our nation depend on disciplined, principled, and accountable security institutions.

I remain convinced that Nigeria’s security challenges, though serious, are not insurmountable. No nation overcomes insecurity through force alone. Lasting security is achieved through a combination of effective law enforcement, community cooperation, social responsibility, and national unity. Security agencies cannot operate in isolation. Parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and community groups all have critical roles to play in shaping a peaceful and secure society.

The concept of collective responsibility must therefore move beyond rhetoric to practical action. Citizens must be vigilant and proactive. Community leaders must promote peace and discourage violence. Religious institutions must preach tolerance and coexistence. The media must report responsibly and avoid narratives that inflame tensions. When every segment of society fulfils its role, the space for criminality shrinks and the foundations of security are strengthened.

Professionalism and discipline remain central to the effectiveness of our security architecture. The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies must continue to uphold the highest standards of conduct, adhere strictly to rules of engagement, and respect the rights and dignity of all citizens. Public trust is earned through consistent professionalism, accountability, and ethical behaviour. Without trust, security efforts are weakened; with trust, they are amplified.

Collaboration among security agencies is equally essential. Inter-agency cooperation enhances intelligence sharing, improves operational coordination, and ensures efficient use of resources. Security threats do not respect institutional boundaries, and our response must therefore be unified and coordinated. Strong partnerships between the military, police, intelligence services, and other relevant institutions are vital to addressing the multidimensional nature of modern security challenges.

Public participation remains a cornerstone of national security. A secure nation is built on an informed, engaged, and united citizenry. Our diversity as a nation is a source of strength when managed with fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect. National security policies must therefore reflect the interests and aspirations of all Nigerians, regardless of background or location. Unity and inclusion are powerful tools against division and insecurity.

As I stand before you today, I call on all Nigerians to renew their commitment to the shared responsibility of securing our nation. Let us reject indifference and embrace active citizenship. Let us replace fear with cooperation and suspicion with trust. Let us recognise that every piece of information shared, every act of vigilance, and every effort toward peace contributes to the safety and stability of our country.

In conclusion, I reaffirm my belief that Nigeria can and will overcome its security challenges through collective effort, disciplined leadership, and sustained community engagement. Intelligence sharing and shared responsibility remain guiding principles of our national defence strategy. With unity of purpose and commitment from all stakeholders, we can build a safer, more stable, and more prosperous Nigeria for present and future generations.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your attention and for your continued dedication to the peace, security, and progress of our great nation. May our collective actions strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and deepen our national unity. May God bless you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.