The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the country will not succumb to fear, terrorism, banditry, or any form of violent extremism, maintaining that national unity, vigilance, and collective responsibility remain critical to overcoming insecurity.
Musa made the declaration on Friday in Lagos during his presentation at The Platform, hosted by The Covenant Nation to mark Democracy Day. The forum was themed “Governance. Democracy. National Security.”
While delivering his presentation, the Defence Minister urged Nigerians to adopt a proactive approach to security by reporting suspicious activities within their communities, warning that silence in the face of crime often enables criminal operations to thrive.
“Are you expecting somebody else to do it? When you see something, say something,” he said, stressing that many abductions and criminal activities had been traced to strange movements and suspicious economic patterns that often go unreported in local communities.
He cited examples of unusual behaviour, such as sudden unexplained wealth and repeated purchases of food items taken into forests, saying such activities should raise concern and be reported promptly to security agencies.
Musa also emphasised the importance of national unity, describing it as one of Nigeria’s greatest strategic assets, and warning against ethnic and religious divisions that could be exploited by those seeking to destabilise the country.
“National unity remains one of our greatest strategic assets. We are all Nigerians. God did not make a mistake in putting us together; it is for us to build, not destroy,” he said.
The Defence Minister further cautioned against misinformation and the misuse of social media, noting that false narratives and recycled videos from other countries are often used to distort reality, spread fear, and weaken public confidence in the state.
He argued that insecurity tends to rise during election periods due to deliberate attempts to undermine national stability, urging Nigerians to question the intent behind such patterns and reject narratives that promote division.
Musa also called on young Nigerians to uphold the legacy of the June 12 pro-democracy struggle by protecting and strengthening democratic governance.
“The generation that fought for June 12 secured democracy. Our responsibility is to secure it, strengthen it, and pass it on stronger than we received it,” he said.
He described democracy as more than a political system, but a promise of opportunity, participation, and hope that must be defended and sustained for future generations.
Musa mentioned that patriotism must go beyond rhetoric, stressing that it is demonstrated through actions that promote unity, peace, and national progress.
“Patriotism means doing what is right even when no one is watching. It means putting the nation above self,” he stated.
He reiterated that Nigeria would not be defeated by insecurity or fear, insisting that the country would overcome its current challenges.
“Without security, without unity, without purpose, we cannot achieve the development and prosperity we desire,” Musa said, expressing optimism that Nigeria would triumph over its security challenges.
