Sustainable peace is rooted in overcoming despair and a lack of knowledge, says Defence Minister

Gen. Christopher Musa, the Minister of Defence, has emphasized that genuine and lasting national security can only be achieved by overcoming ignorance, eradicating hopelessness, and upholding democratic principles.

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The minister's special adviser on media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, issued a statement on Saturday, detailing Gen. Musa's remarks made on Friday at the June 12 Special Edition of The Platform Nigeria in Lagos.

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According to Gen. Musa, economic progress is inextricably linked to security, as meaningful gains can only be sustained when security is guaranteed.

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He noted that discussions on national defence often focus on military might, air power, or intelligence gathering, but true security hinges on a critical factor: defeating ignorance and conquering hopelessness.

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Gen. Musa stressed that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where fear pervades daily life, highlighting the importance of a secure environment for democratic values to flourish.

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In his assessment of Nigeria's security situation, the minister acknowledged the Armed Forces' accomplishments, including the neutralization of key terrorist leaders and the disruption of major criminal networks.

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However, Gen. Musa also recognized that modern security threats, such as banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and transnational violent extremism, are highly adaptable and increasingly interconnected.

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The minister paid tribute to the sacrifices that led to the establishment of Nigeria's democracy and cautioned that the nation's defence strategy must rapidly evolve to incorporate technology in order to address modern security threats.