Defence Minister: Nigeria Must Collaborate with Neighbours to Defeat Terrorism

• Highlights governance, social crises as key drivers of insecurity

Nume Ekeghe

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has reiterated that Nigeria must strengthen collaboration with its neighbours to effectively tackle terrorism, warning that insecurity in the country is not solely a military problem but a broader governance, intelligence, and social crises issue.

Speaking on ARISE Prime Time yesterday, Musa emphasised the multidimensional nature of Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that the kinetic approach alone cannot solve all the challenges.

“The kinetic aspects cannot solve all the problems. It will only provide an enabling environment for all other aspects to take place. And I think that’s very critical. You know, we mentioned the issue of our borders,” he said.

The minister highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, noting that Nigeria’s neighbours are facing similar security threats. “Efforts have been made, and that’s why we are going to extend more with our relationship with Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin Republic now, because they are equally beginning to face a similar issue,” Musa said.

He added that Nigeria’s security challenge is part of a global phenomenon, drawing parallels with the fight against ISIS and ongoing crises in Mozambique, Burkina Faso, and Mali. “It is something that we all must come together to work against what’s going on now,” he stressed.

Musa also addressed reports of potential US military involvement in Nigeria, dismissing claims of imminent attacks as exaggerated while reaffirming the country’s sovereignty. “Well, somehow, I think the reports were overblown. There’s nothing happening like guns ablazing. Nigeria is a sovereign country.

“Whatever we did, whatever happened, or whatever is going to happen, we have that collaboration, working together jointly. I can tell Nigerians clearly that whatever it is that Americans are doing in Nigeria, always going to do in Nigeria. We have to be together, discuss, plan, execute together. No country will just fly into Nigeria and do whatever it feels like. They know it won’t happen that way,” he said.

On domestic stability, Musa reiterated the importance of democracy as a safeguard against military interventions. “First and foremost, to know that coup is wrong. Nobody should ever have that in mind.

“Nigeria should do it from now onward. Nobody should ever think of committing a career-like coup as something in Nigeria. We must all put hands together to support the democratic norms in place. We must continue to work hard to make Nigeria peaceful and secure for all Nigerians,” he said.

Musa also cited the Sokoto ambush as a reminder of emerging threats and the critical role of joint action. Nigerian forces, supported by US intelligence, successfully neutralised the attackers who had infiltrated from Niger. “The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of cross-border collaboration while highlighting the need for continued vigilance,” he said.

The minister further emphasised that security is not the responsibility of the military alone, explaining that citizens, communities, and regional partners all have a role to play in ensuring lasting peace and stability in Nigeria. “We must all come together, work hand in hand, and support the democratic norms in place. Only then can Nigeria be secure for all its people,” Musa said.