Lagos: The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has asserted that achieving true and lasting national security involves defeating ignorance and conquering hopelessness, alongside defending democratic values. He made these remarks during the June 12 Special Edition of The Platform Nigeria event held in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister highlighted that sustainable economic development is only possible when security is assured. He emphasized that while traditional aspects of national defense such as military presence and intelligence are crucial, the core of enduring security lies in overcoming ignorance and eradicating hopelessness. “No democracy can flourish where fear dominates daily life,” Musa stated, underlining the importance of a secure environment for democratic growth.
The minister provided a comprehensive evaluation of Nigeria’s security landscape, acknowledging significant achievements by the Armed Forces, such as the neutralization of key terrorist figures and the disruption of major criminal networks. Despite these successes, he pointed out that modern threats like banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and transnational violent extremism are evolving rapidly and becoming more interconnected.
Gen. Musa also recognized the sacrifices that have been made to establish Nigeria’s democracy and stressed that addressing contemporary security challenges demands a swift, technology-driven transformation in national defense strategies.