Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has called for the creation of a comprehensive national database, describing it as a critical tool for strengthening security operations and tackling crime across Nigeria.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on ARISE NEWS on Friday, Musa said the country must adopt measures that would make it easier for security agencies to identify and track criminal suspects.
According to the minister, a reliable database would significantly improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes and apprehend offenders.
“We must have a database as Nigerians,” he said.
“With the database, if you go abroad, you commit an offence, it’s very easy for them to arrest you. It’s not by magic. It’s because they have a database. They get your thumb print or your face or your signature or something, they can get you as quickly as possible.”
Musa stressed that Nigeria must embrace technology-driven solutions to strengthen internal security and reduce criminal activity.
The defence minister also advocated a nationwide census covering Nigerians both at home and abroad, saying accurate population data would support security planning and enforcement efforts.
“Census is one thing I also want to encourage. We must conduct a Census of all Nigerians in the world. With technology, we can do that.”
He maintained that establishing such systems would make it more difficult for criminals to operate undetected.
“And once we do that, it makes crime and criminality difficult.”
Musa added that stronger data collection and monitoring mechanisms would complement ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat insecurity.
He also called for improved oversight of financial transactions and movements linked to criminal activities.
“So the central bank, we need them to also be able to follow up. When payments are made, they should be able to get the profile. If they see monies that were paid, being transferred into banks, they should be able to track it.”
The minister further emphasised that creating a comprehensive database remains one of several measures needed to improve national security.
“There are steps we need to take to address security. If we don’t do them, they will continue to haunt us.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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