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.

Calls Grow for Equal Treatment as Abducted Borno Pupils Remain Missing

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Concern is mounting in Borno State following what residents and civil society groups describe as a slow and inadequate federal response to the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren in Askira/Uba Local Government Area.

Community leaders, activists and political stakeholders have expressed frustration over the government’s handling of the incident, arguing that the kidnapping of pupils in the Northeast has not attracted the same level of attention and urgency seen in similar cases elsewhere in the country.

The controversy follows the abduction of dozens of primary and junior secondary school pupils from the Mussa community in Askira/Uba, allegedly by insurgents. Residents say families of the victims have been left anxious as they await concrete information on rescue efforts.

Speaking in Maiduguri on Monday, Chairman of the Borno State Civil Society Organisations, Abubakar Suleiman, criticised what he described as unequal treatment of victims of mass abductions across different parts of Nigeria.

According to him, while a recent kidnapping incident involving pupils and teachers in Oyo State attracted the immediate attention of top federal officials, communities in Borno affected by similar tragedies have not witnessed a comparable intervention.

Suleiman noted that several abduction incidents have occurred in parts of Borno in recent weeks, yet families and local communities have received little direct engagement from federal authorities.

He urged the government to intensify rescue operations and maintain regular communication with affected families.

“The parents deserve reassurance that everything possible is being done to secure the release of their children. They also deserve timely information about ongoing efforts,” he said.

A political analyst based in Borno, Abubakar Kareto, also expressed concern over what he described as disparities in official responses to security emergencies.

He observed that the attacks in Oyo and Askira/Uba reportedly occurred within the same period but generated markedly different levels of federal attention.

Kareto argued that every mass abduction, regardless of location, should receive the same level of urgency and deployment of security resources.

According to him, any perception of unequal treatment risks deepening feelings of neglect among communities already facing the challenges of insurgency and insecurity.

He called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and military operations aimed at rescuing the abducted children and restoring public confidence.

“The safety of every Nigerian child must be treated as a national priority. Victims in the Northeast deserve the same commitment and urgency accorded to victims anywhere else in the country,” he said.

Also weighing in, President of the Borno South Youths Alliance Forum, Samaila Kaigama, appealed to political leaders and elected representatives from the state to become more vocal in advocating for affected communities.

He urged stakeholders to unite in pressing for stronger federal intervention, emphasising that the plight of abducted children should transcend political and regional considerations.

The incident has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of schools in rural communities, particularly in areas affected by insurgency. Security experts have repeatedly warned that educational institutions remain attractive targets for armed groups operating in parts of the Northeast.

As families continue to wait for positive news, residents say they expect both federal and state authorities to demonstrate greater commitment to securing the release of all those still in captivity and preventing future attacks on schools.

Nigeria’s Security Depends on Empowering Youths — Gen. Buratai

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Former Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), has warned that Nigeria’s security and future stability may remain under threat unless the country deliberately invests in and empowers its youthful population.

the Gen. Buratai stated that at University of Ilorin while delivering a lecture  with titled “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and National Security: The Youth and National Security Aspirations”, Buratai said the intersection between youth development and national security has become critical to Nigeria’s survival amid rising insecurity across different parts of the country.

Quoting former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the retired military officer said, “A nation’s security is only as strong as its commitment to its young people.”

He noted that insurgency, terrorism, cybercrime, separatist agitation, banditry, and organised criminal activities continue to challenge Nigeria’s unity and development, stressing that the country’s youthful population remains both its greatest strength and potential vulnerability.

“If neglected, this same demographic could become our greatest vulnerability. How effectively government at all levels and the Armed Forces engage, empower and integrate youths into national security frameworks will determine Nigeria’s trajectory towards stability or turmoil,” Buratai said.

The former army chief explained that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have evolved from a small colonial constabulary established in 1863 into a major institution responsible for defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Africa’s most populous nation.

According to him, the changing nature of security threats now requires a broader understanding of national security beyond military operations alone.

“Today, national security extends beyond merely defending territorial borders.” Cybersecurity, economic stability, climate risks, and intelligence coordination have become central to the survival of modern nations,” he stated.

Buratai observed that more than 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population falls within the youth category, making it necessary for government and security institutions to harness their creativity, patriotism, and innovation for national development.

He said frustrated youths often become targets for recruitment by criminal and extremist groups, while empowered youths could serve as defenders of peace, unity, and national stability.

The retired general also reviewed the historical role of the Armed Forces in the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions across Africa, and ongoing counter-insurgency operations within the country.

He identified Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency in the North-East, banditry and mass kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central, separatist violence in the South-East, and oil theft in the South-South as major security concerns confronting Nigeria.

Buratai further warned that growing instability across the Sahel region, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has compounded Nigeria’s security challenges.

Drawing lessons from Colombia and Sri Lanka, he recommended a blend of military action, socio-economic reforms, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement as the most effective strategy for tackling insecurity.

“Military force alone cannot defeat an ideology. Nigeria must combine security operations with development, justice, inclusion, and opportunities for young people,” he said.

The former army chief proposed the recruitment of 50,000 youths annually into the Armed Forces over the next five years, the establishment of state intelligence centers for information sharing, and the introduction of civic security training for tertiary institution graduates.

He also advocated the creation of a Security Trust Fund to support military equipment procurement, personnel welfare, and youth employment within the security sector.

Buratai urged young Nigerians to see military service as a patriotic and noble responsibility.

“The country needs your brains, your strength and your courage. Nigeria’s security is a national project that requires the participation of every citizen, especially the youth,” he added.