Defence, Interior Must Act as One to Fix Nigeria’s Security Gaps, Says Musa

Defence, Interior Must Act as One to Fix Nigeria’s Security Gaps, Says Musa

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has called for the Ministries of Defence and Interior to operate as a single unit to close Nigeria’s security gaps.

During a visit to Interior Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Musa noted that the line between internal and external threats has blurred due to rising banditry and insurgency.

Musa emphasized that no single agency can tackle modern security challenges alone, advocating for a “whole-of-government” approach. He proposed strengthening intelligence sharing between the Defence Intelligence Agency and interior agencies like the NSCDC and Immigration Service to create a more unified front.

To ensure effectiveness, the Minister suggested using secure technology for real-time data exchange and conducting joint field simulations. He also pledged that the Ministry of Defence would provide specialized counterterrorism training to internal security forces to bolster their capacity and response times.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo agreed, noting that weak internal security overstretches the military and forces them away from their primary mandates. He warned against inter-agency rivalry, stating that the public prioritizes safety and results over administrative boundaries or ministerial jurisdictions.

The leaders concluded by activating an inter-ministerial committee to institutionalize this cooperation and review progress regularly. Their focus remains on integrating databases and securing borders to restore public confidence and ensure a safer Nigeria through sustained synergy.