Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has called on citizens to actively support ongoing efforts to defeat insurgency, banditry, terrorism, and other forms of violent crime, emphasizing that security agencies alone cannot overcome the country’s challenges without the cooperation of the public.
Speaking at the June 12 edition of The Platform Nigeria, the minister stressed the need for a “whole-of-society” approach to addressing insecurity, describing public participation as a critical component of national security.
According to him, the nature of modern security threats has evolved significantly, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between criminals and ordinary citizens. He noted that many of the perpetrators of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes operate within local communities, making intelligence gathering and community cooperation indispensable in the fight against insecurity.
“The enemy is within,” the minister said, urging Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and assist security agencies by denying criminal groups access to logistical support, shelter, funding, and information.
He explained that while the Armed Forces and other security agencies have recorded successes against insurgent groups and criminal networks, sustainable victory can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in protecting their communities and reporting suspicious activities.
The minister highlighted the importance of national unity, warning that ethnic, religious, and political divisions could weaken collective efforts to restore peace and stability. He called on Nigerians to resist misinformation, propaganda, and attempts by criminal groups to exploit social tensions for their benefit.
According to him, terrorism and insurgency are not merely military problems but broader societal challenges requiring coordinated action from government institutions, community leaders, religious organizations, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens.
Nigeria continues to confront security threats from extremist groups such as Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), alongside widespread banditry and kidnapping activities in several regions of the country.
The minister’s remarks generated mixed reactions among stakeholders and members of the public.
Supporters praised the call for national unity and citizen participation, arguing that community-based intelligence has proven effective in identifying criminal elements and preventing attacks in vulnerable areas. They contend that security agencies require timely information from residents to disrupt criminal operations before they occur.
Others, however, expressed concerns about the safety of informants, noting that individuals who provide intelligence to security agencies may face retaliation from criminal groups if adequate protection mechanisms are not in place.
Some critics also raised questions about government policies involving the rehabilitation and reintegration of former insurgents, arguing that public confidence in such programmes remains divided. They called for greater transparency and stronger safeguards to ensure that rehabilitated individuals do not return to violent activities.
Security analysts note that modern counterinsurgency efforts increasingly depend on cooperation between governments and local communities. They argue that military operations alone are often insufficient to address the underlying social, economic, and ideological factors that fuel violent extremism.
As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, the minister’s appeal underscores the continuing challenge of balancing military action with community engagement in the quest for lasting peace. With insecurity remaining a major national concern, stakeholders agree that stronger collaboration between citizens and security institutions will be essential to achieving long-term stability and protecting communities across the country.
