Defence Minister: Lasting Security Starts by Overcoming Ignorance and Hopelessness

Gen. Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, asserted that enduring national security depends on eradicating ignorance, overcoming hopelessness, and safeguarding democratic principles.

Leah Katung‑Babatunde, the minister’s special adviser on media, relayed the remarks in a statement issued Saturday. The comments were made by Musa during a speech on Friday at the June 12 Special Edition of The Platform Nigeria, which was held in Lagos.

Musa emphasized that sustainable economic progress can only be achieved when security is assured. “When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on boots on the ground, air power, or intelligence gathering,” he said. “But true and lasting security is anchored on one critical element: the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness.” He added, “No democracy can flourish where fear dominates daily life.”

In evaluating Nigeria’s security landscape, the minister highlighted achievements by the Armed Forces, including the neutralisation of key terrorist leaders and the disruption of major criminal networks. He cautioned that contemporary threats—such as banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and transnational violent extremism—are highly adaptive and increasingly interconnected.

Musa also paid tribute to the sacrifices that established Nigeria’s democracy and warned that modern security challenges demand a swift, technology‑driven evolution of the country’s defence strategy. (NAN)

The post “Lasting security begins with defeating ignorance, hopelessness — Defence minister” first appeared on Vanguard News.