Nigeria Must Rethink Security Architecture, Kalu Tells Defence Conference

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,Rt Hon.. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has described the recent passage of the State Police Bill by the House as a historic breakthrough in Nigeria’s quest to strengthen security and address evolving threats across the country.

Speaking at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja, Kalu said the bill marked a significant milestone after decades of unsuccessful attempts to decentralise policing in Nigeria.

According to him, the country’s growing population and complex security challenges have made it necessary to rethink existing security structures and embrace reforms capable of delivering faster responses and improved intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.

“The realities of our current security challenges compelled us to rethink existing structures and embrace new approaches,” Kalu stated, adding that state policing would enable security personnel to better understand local communities and respond more effectively to emerging threats.

The Deputy Speaker explained that the bill, which now awaits consideration by the Senate and state legislatures, should be viewed as a national necessity rather than a political agenda.

Beyond legislative reforms, Kalu stressed the importance of non-military approaches to tackling insecurity, noting that poverty, unemployment, poor education, social exclusion, weak governance and declining moral values remain major contributors to instability.

He praised the organisers of the conference for choosing dialogue and engagement over confrontation, describing the gathering as an important platform for generating practical solutions to Nigeria’s security concerns.

Kalu also commended the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), for his leadership and commitment to strengthening national security through collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

He paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies for their sacrifices in safeguarding the country.

“As Parliament, we remain committed to supporting our security institutions through legislation, oversight and adequate funding,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker further highlighted the role of local government reforms in addressing insecurity, revealing that strengthening local governance remains a key focus of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

He noted that many security and development challenges originate at the grassroots level and can only be effectively addressed through stronger and more accountable local government structures.

Kalu also called for greater involvement of the private sector in national security, arguing that businesses, technology firms, financial institutions and community development initiatives all play critical roles in preventing crime and fostering stability.

Drawing from the success of the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P), a non-kinetic intervention promoting dialogue and reconciliation, he maintained that lasting peace can only be achieved when communities become active participants in their own security.

Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), underscored the need for a collaborative approach to national security, describing security as a shared responsibility that extends beyond government institutions.

Speaking on the conference theme, “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacities into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” Musa said modern threats such as terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and attacks on critical infrastructure require coordinated action involving government, communities, civil society and the private sector.

He stressed that criminals often thrive because of local support networks and community silence, urging Nigerians to become more vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

The Defence Minister also advocated increased investment in indigenous defence production, technological innovation and public-private partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against emerging threats.

According to him, modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, satellite imagery, biometric systems and predictive analytics are transforming global security operations, and Nigeria must harness these tools to improve national security.

The conference brought together policymakers, security experts, industry leaders and stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for building a safer, more secure and prosperous Nigeria.