Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has said that the country’s security challenges are being prolonged not only by armed groups but also by support they receive from some individuals within affected communities.
Speaking at the June 12 edition of The Platform organised by The Covenant Nation in Lagos, Musa said insurgents, bandits and terrorists continue to operate because they are sustained with food, logistics, and intelligence from residents in their areas of operation.
According to him, this local support network makes it more difficult for the military and other security agencies to effectively eliminate armed groups.
“Banditry, insurgency, terrorism… perhaps we have people encouraging and supporting these things from happening,” he said.
He explained that many criminal groups survive through assistance such as food, water, and information, which he described as “oxygen” that keeps them active and mobile.
“Who is funding them? Who are those giving them information? Who are those giving them the logistics that keep them going? It is still the people,” Musa added.
The Defence Minister noted that modern security threats differ from conventional warfare, where enemies are clearly identifiable, stressing that today’s conflict often involves hidden actors within communities.
He further argued that military operations alone cannot end insecurity without cooperation from citizens, urging Nigerians to provide credible intelligence and support security agencies.
“If the people are not ready to support, it makes it extremely difficult,” he said.
Musa also warned that misinformation, ethnic tensions, and political divisions can worsen insecurity by creating conditions that criminal groups exploit.
Reflecting on Democracy Day, he said democracy cannot thrive in an environment dominated by fear and violence, adding that peace and stability are essential for national development.
He called for stronger unity among citizens, security agencies, and government institutions in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that collective responsibility is key to restoring stability.
