Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has asserted that Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be addressed by military force alone but require a comprehensive strategy grounded in justice, good governance, and active community participation.
Speaking at the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative and North Central Peace Summit in Jos, General Musa called for decisive leadership and enhanced intelligence infrastructure, including border fencing and a national database for citizens and foreigners. He stressed that these measures are essential to limiting terrorists’ movement and cross-border criminal activity.
“Insecurity cannot be resolved through military force alone. It requires a multi-pronged approach that includes good governance, justice, equity, and community involvement. When people feel safe, heard, and treated fairly, society thrives. Without fairness and justice, security efforts will remain limited,” the CDS said.
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to support lawful initiatives aimed at securing the nation and urged political leaders to take ownership of building an inclusive and peaceful Nigeria.
Representing Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman, underscored that lasting peace must be community-driven and locally sustained.
The summit, organized by Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), seeks to foster unity and proactive conflict resolution in the region.
Meanwhile, in Abuja, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu presided over the public destruction of illicit and decommissioned Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs). He affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to defeating terrorism through collaborative efforts and tighter arms control.
“The failure of the global community to effectively control the availability of illicit SALWs has continued to undermine global peace and significantly hinder development, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa,” Ribadu stated.
He noted that the establishment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in 2021 represents a vital step toward addressing arms proliferation in line with international protocols.
Despite these high-level interventions, Benue State continues to face deadly attacks. On Arise TV, Benue State Commissioner for Power and Transportation, Omale Omale, reported that at least 25 people were killed in a recent attack on Edikwu Ankpali community in Apa Local Government Area. He expressed frustration that military deployments have not deterred violent incursions.
“We thought the presence of the military would ward off invaders, but we keep seeing a surge of invaders and their activities,” Omale lamented.
He also confirmed that an investigation is underway after a protester was allegedly killed during a peaceful demonstration by local women. While acknowledging the military’s efforts, Omale emphasized that communities expect immediate action whenever invaders strike.
As security leaders converge on coordinated strategies infrastructure development, arms control, and community engagement there is renewed hope that these combined efforts will strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against insecurity.
