Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has assessed the country’s security performance under President Bola Tinubu at between 65 and 70 per cent, insisting that while significant challenges remain, the administration is “on the right track” in its fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday Arise News to mark the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration, Musa said absolute security is impossible in any country, but argued that Nigeria has recorded measurable improvements, particularly in reducing large-scale terrorist attacks.
He, however, warned that rising cases of kidnapping reflect deeper societal and institutional failures that must be addressed collectively.
Musa, who served as Chief of Defence Staff for the first two years of the administration before his appointment as Minister of Defence, said the government is confronting inherited and evolving security challenges “headlong.”
“I think we’re on the right track. There is no country that has 100% security. We always have issues,” he said.
“The most unfortunate thing is that measures that were supposed to have been taking place for a long time have not. We are addressing these issues headlong.”
He argued that while terrorism had reduced in intensity compared to previous years, criminality had shifted in form.
“Terrorist attacks in the past, the way it used to be, is not as rampant as it used to be. Now we’re having issues of kidnapping more than terrorism. Why is that so?”
The Defence Minister attributed rising kidnapping cases to what he described as a breakdown in family values and social ethics.
“The failure of family values, failure of law and order. People think when they make money, because the society has become very materialistic, people think that the way and manner they make money and society applauds them.”
He stressed that insecurity cannot be solved by government alone.
“Those are the ills that we have to fight. This challenge is a Nigerian challenge and all Nigerians must put our hands together to fight it. The President is doing so much. He is committed to ensuring that there is peace. The armed forces and other security agencies are doing their best.”
Responding to criticism that insecurity has worsened, Musa insisted Nigeria is not unique in facing violent crime.
“Nigeria is going through its prime periods. Countries go through this. It’s what you make out of it that makes you better or worse.”
He explained that security agencies cannot be everywhere at once.
“The armed forces and other security agencies cannot cover the entire length and breadth of Nigeria. Nigeria has over 923,000 square kilometres. And what criminals do is look for soft spots where there are no security agencies.”
He outlined what he described as a “trajectory of crime escalation”:
“Criminality starts when people break laws and order. Then it gets to kidnapping. Then it gets to banditry. Then it gets to terrorism. And once you start dealing with terrorism, it now falls back towards banditry and petty crimes. This is what we are going through.”
Musa emphasised that Nigeria’s security challenges are deeply tied to porous borders and regional dynamics across West Africa.
“Border security is something that we have to be in tandem with our neighbours. Terrorists attack and move to the next country. So you need the other country to also block its side of the border so they don’t have safe haven.”
He said Nigeria is working with multinational forces to strengthen regional cooperation.
“We are working together with a truly multinational task force. We are establishing new sectors so that from Burkina Faso they do not penetrate through Benin into Nigeria.”
He noted that cultural and ethnic ties across borders complicate enforcement.
“We share cultural areas and religious ties across borders. In asymmetric warfare, the enemy blends within civilians, which makes it very difficult.”
The Minister also appealed to the media and citizens to avoid misinformation and panic reporting.
“We want to appeal to the media to understand that we are partners in progress. We are not enemies.”
“There are situations where even when there were no attacks, some reports claim 40 people were killed. We must understand that this is our country.”
He added:“If Nigeria fails, nobody will be able to sit in any office to write any reports. The more we support each other, the more we succeed.”
Explaining his transition from military commander to cabinet minister, Musa highlighted a shift from operational command to policy leadership.
“As Chief of Defence Staff, I was directly involved; I could move troops and give direct instructions. Now as Minister, I am dealing with policy-making and supporting the Armed Forces.”
He said the government is improving equipment and international partnerships.
“We need to change and improve our equipment. We do not produce what we need. That is one of the greatest challenges.”
He added that Nigeria is collaborating with countries such as Turkey, Brazil, Egypt, China and South Africa.
“The President has approved partnerships with countries that produce such equipment. Our youth are even beginning to produce drones.”
Asked to rate the government’s performance on security, Musa gave a candid assessment.
“Yes, I will give ourselves 65–70 per cent. No nation is totally free from crime and criminality.”
He argued that terrorism has reduced in intensity, even if new forms of crime persist.
“The level of terrorism has drastically reduced. What we now have are acts of terrorism and social vice driven by failure of family values.”
He also linked insecurity to economic desperation and criminal opportunism.
“People must understand that to make money, you must work hard. Many involved in kidnapping are looking for shortcuts.”
Musa cited joint operations with international partners, including the United States, in counterterrorism efforts.
“We are working with partners — the Americans, the British, the French — who want Nigeria to succeed.”
He referenced the killing of a senior ISIS commander as part of sustained operations.
“The recent operation that led to the killing of the ISIS deputy commander was painstaking. We tracked him over time.”
He warned that insurgency is a long and difficult war.
“No country should allow asymmetric warfare to commence. It is a very difficult operation. Turkey has been at it for over 40 years.”
Addressing controversy around the rehabilitation of former insurgents, Musa said government processes are structured and transparent.
“We are following all processes. Nothing is hidden.”
On claims that ex-fighters receive stipends while victims suffer neglect, he insisted the state remains committed to troops and victims.
“Our troops are doing very well. We are getting more equipment. Efforts have been made to increase salaries and allowances.”
Musa concluded with an appeal for unity and resilience.
“We are working tirelessly. Sometimes results are slow, but we are rescuing people, preventing attacks, and taking out terrorist commanders.”
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel. This is a Nigerian challenge. It is not the time to complain or grumble, but to work together.”
He added:“I want to appeal to Nigerians to stay strong. Nigeria is a great country, and Nigeria will continue to thrive.”
General Christopher Musa’s assessment places Nigeria’s security trajectory under the Tinubu administration in cautiously optimistic territory — acknowledging persistent threats but insisting that coordinated military operations, regional cooperation and internal reforms are gradually shifting the balance.
Boluwatife Enome
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