The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Monday blamed the escalating security threats across the federation on the widening net of poverty and hunger in the country.
He stressed that poverty and hunger had escalated beyond social issues and now posed serious national security threats.
The Defence Chief made these remarks at the official opening of the 14th National Security Seminar, organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja on Monday.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shetimma, the Defence Chief noted that the world is no longer solely defined by armed conflict but also by widespread economic hardship, food insecurity and social dislocation.
According to him, “Insecurity today is not only defined by weapons but also by economic deprivation, food insecurity and social dislocation. Hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges – they have become national security threats.
“The North Central region, particularly Benue State, once considered Nigeria’s food basket, is a clear example of how banditry, displacement and farmer-herder conflicts have devastated agricultural productivity.”
Musa stressed that the disruption of farming communities and illegal occupation of farmlands contributed to food inflation, displacement and mass migration, thereby destabilising both the economy and national cohesion.
He called on communities to deny criminals and terrorists sanctuary by supporting intelligence gathering, timely reporting and community vigilance.
Meanwhile, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively working to break the cycle of poverty and insecurity through key initiatives such as agricultural reforms, expanded social investment programmes and targeted security interventions.
Ribadu stressed, “There is a clear link between poverty and insecurity, which feeds a vicious cycle that stifles economic growth and worsens social vulnerabilities. Hunger and deprivation are not just humanitarian concerns; they are drivers of crime, violence and national instability.”
Represented by the Director of Defence Affairs, Major General Peter Mala, the NSA said national security is a collective responsibility that demands a multidimensional and collaborative approach.
He stated that there is a vicious cycle between poverty and insecurity, which hinders economic growth and exacerbates social vulnerabilities.
He commended AANDEC for its commitment to national development and bringing together leaders of thought, security experts, policymakers and citizens to chart a path forward.
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, stressed the need for a people-centred approach to security.
He called for targeted solutions that address the root causes of insecurity, including unemployment, poverty and social exclusion.
Badaru emphasised the need for collective action, noting that Nigeria’s security challenges transcend borders and require broad collaboration.
Linus Aleke
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