ABUJA — The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has identified the protection of bandits and terrorists by local communities as a primary reason for the persistence of insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday night, the Minister emphasised that the country is engaged in an “asymmetric warfare” where the enemy often hides in plain sight among ordinary citizens. He warned that military action alone cannot defeat a conflict where the “enemy is within.”
The Danger of the “Internal Enemy”
General Musa explained that criminal elements, including kidnappers and insurgents, frequently integrate themselves into society, making them difficult to identify through conventional means.
“In this case, the enemy is within, and that makes it more dangerous,” the Minister stated. “It could be someone you think is your friend or someone you trust. That is why people must not give criminals any safe haven.”
He urged Nigerians to prioritize intelligence sharing and prompt reporting, noting that shielding these individuals only prolongs the cycle of violence. He assured the public that security agencies remain ready to respond decisively to any credible leads regarding criminal activities.
Signs of Improvement
Despite the challenges, the Defence Minister noted that Nigeria’s security situation is gradually improving. He attributed this progress to a combination of sustained military operations, enhanced intelligence gathering, and a growing sense of public responsibility.
“We are getting there. It is improving by the day,” Musa said, describing peace as a “whole-of-society effort” that requires the active participation of every citizen.
A Call for Patriotism
The Minister’s remarks were echoed by the Emir of Doma Kingdom, Alhaji Ahmadu Onawu, who stressed the importance of patriotism and national renewal in the face of security challenges. Both leaders agreed that while the military is doing its part, the ultimate victory over criminality depends on the courage of communities to expose those threatening the nation’s peace.
