Gen. Musa Seeks Private Sector Partnership to Tackle Insecurity

Gen. Musa Seeks Private Sector Partnership to Tackle Insecurity

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has called for a new approach to national security that brings together government institutions, private sector actors, communities, and citizens, warning that Nigeria’s growing security challenges cannot be tackled by government alone.

Speaking at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, the Defence Minister stressed that building a secure nation requires a collaborative effort involving security agencies, businesses, technology providers, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and local communities.

Addressing participants at the conference themed “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacities into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” Musa described the gathering as a timely platform for charting a sustainable path towards a safer and more resilient Nigeria.

He noted that modern security threats have evolved beyond conventional warfare and now include terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, cybercrime, oil theft, illegal mining, communal violence, and attacks on critical infrastructure.

According to him, many criminal networks survive because they receive support from within communities through information, logistics, shelter, or financing.

“Security is no longer the responsibility of government alone. It requires collective action from all stakeholders. Criminal elements thrive when communities remain silent or fail to report suspicious activities,” he said.

The minister emphasized that security agencies rely heavily on credible intelligence from the public, adding that effective security operations become difficult when citizens withhold information about criminal activities occurring around them.

Musa praised the sacrifices of personnel of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions who continue to risk their lives in defence of the country.

Reflecting on his experience as a former theatre commander in Operation Hadin Kai, he acknowledged the emotional burden borne by military families and called on Nigerians to show greater appreciation and support for security personnel.

He further argued that the complexity of modern threats requires Nigeria to embrace structured partnerships with the private sector.

Drawing examples from global best practices, the Defence Minister said private security firms, technology companies, logistics providers, and cybersecurity organisations have become vital contributors to national security in many countries.

He advocated a regulated framework that would enable private sector participation without undermining existing security institutions.

“The objective is not to create parallel security structures but to strengthen national security through collaboration, innovation, and improved response capabilities,” he stated.

Musa also underscored the importance of local defence production, warning against overreliance on imported military and security equipment.

He commended Nigerian defence manufacturers and innovators making strides in the production of military vehicles, surveillance systems, drones, and other security technologies, urging greater investment in indigenous solutions.

The minister highlighted the growing importance of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, biometric systems, predictive analytics, and cybersecurity tools in modern security operations.

He maintained that Nigeria must position itself to leverage these technologies while ensuring they operate within legal and regulatory frameworks.

On community engagement, Musa described local communities as the first line of defence against insecurity, noting that residents are often the earliest to detect suspicious activities and potential threats.

He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, market associations, transport unions, women groups, and local government authorities to actively support national security efforts.

The Defence Minister stressed that trust between communities and security agencies remains essential for effective collaboration, adding that professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and prompt responses to security reports are necessary for building public confidence.

He also linked security to economic development, noting that insecurity discourages investment, disrupts agriculture, affects transportation, and increases the cost of doing business.

“A secure nation is a prosperous nation,” he said, explaining that investment in security ultimately translates into economic growth and national stability.

To strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, Musa proposed five key measures: enhancing legal frameworks for public-private security cooperation, establishing secure information-sharing platforms, promoting local defence manufacturing, investing in training and certification for security stakeholders, and expanding community-based security initiatives.

While reaffirming the commitment of the Armed Forces to combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities, he cautioned that military operations alone cannot resolve all security challenges.

He urged stakeholders at the conference to translate discussions into practical partnerships, policy reforms, and investment commitments capable of strengthening national security.

“Nigeria’s future depends on the choices we make today. By working together, strengthening our institutions, and investing in local capacity, we can build a safer and more prosperous nation for future generations,” he said.

The conference brought together policymakers, security experts, defence industry stakeholders, development partners, private sector leaders, and representatives of civil society to explore innovative approaches to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework.