Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has said the absence of a comprehensive national database continues to hamper the work of security agencies, making it difficult to effectively identify, track and apprehend criminal suspects across the country.

Speaking at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026, themed “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity Into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture,” the minister described crime-fighting without a centralised citizens’ database as an almost impossible task.

According to Musa, the lack of a unified system for storing and accessing citizens’ information weakens intelligence gathering, complicates investigations and limits the ability of law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to security threats.

The defence minister stressed that security agencies rely heavily on timely information and public cooperation to prevent crime, noting that modern criminal networks have become increasingly sophisticated and technology-driven.

He said criminal groups now utilise advanced communication tools, financial channels and propaganda mechanisms to sustain their activities, while also exploiting socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, weak governance and community grievances.

Musa further observed that many attacks are deliberately targeted at public spaces and critical infrastructure, including schools, farms, highways, markets and government facilities, with the aim of creating fear and undermining public confidence.

The minister also expressed concern over the vandalism and theft of public assets, including railway facilities, solar-powered streetlights and other infrastructure, arguing that such crimes often persist because witnesses fail to report suspicious activities to authorities.

He maintained that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires a broader approach that goes beyond government action alone, calling for greater involvement of the private sector in national security efforts.

According to him, private security firms, technology companies, logistics providers, cybersecurity organisations and defence industry stakeholders play critical roles in many countries by supporting intelligence gathering, infrastructure protection, surveillance operations, emergency response and technological innovation.

Musa urged Nigeria to institutionalise similar collaborations through a well-regulated framework for public-private security partnerships, insisting that such arrangements must be lawful, accountable, intelligence-driven and aligned with national security objectives.

Earlier, the convener of the conference, Charles Awuzie, said the gathering was designed to foster collaboration among government institutions, industry leaders, technology innovators, investors, communities and citizens in developing practical solutions to the country’s security challenges.

Awuzie expressed optimism that collective action and stronger partnerships would help build a more coordinated, effective and resilient security architecture capable of addressing emerging threats across Nigeria.