Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has said the country’s battle against terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity remains difficult because criminal groups continue to receive support from people within local communities.
The Defence Minister made the remarks on Thursday during the June 12 edition of The Platform, a public policy event organised by The Covenant Nation in Lagos to mark Democracy Day.
Speaking before a large audience, Musa said terrorists and bandits do not operate in isolation, stressing that they often depend on civilians for food, information, shelter and logistics that enable them to sustain their activities.
According to him, until Nigerians collectively reject and expose those aiding criminal elements, the country’s security challenges may continue to persist despite the efforts of security agencies.
“Banditry, insurgency, terrorism. Why does it seem so difficult to deal with it? Perhaps, we have the people that are also encouraging and supporting these things from happening because the terrorists, the bandits, survive around the people,” he said.
“There are several stories of how people have aided them in giving them food, giving them water, and giving them information, and these are the things that keep them going, and we call this the oxygen.”
The minister questioned the source of the resources that sustain the operations of criminal groups.
“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,” he added.
Musa explained that modern security threats have become increasingly difficult to tackle because those responsible often blend into civilian populations, making it challenging for security personnel to identify and isolate them.
He noted that unlike conventional warfare, where enemies are clearly defined, today’s security threats involve non-state actors who live and operate among ordinary citizens.
According to him, this reality requires a different approach that places greater emphasis on intelligence gathering, community cooperation and public vigilance.
The Defence Minister stressed that the armed forces and other security agencies cannot defeat insecurity on their own without the active support of Nigerians.
He urged citizens to provide useful information to security agencies and report suspicious activities in their communities before they escalate into major attacks.
“Our people must understand that security is everybody’s responsibility,” he said, noting that timely information can help prevent crimes and save lives.
Nigeria has battled several security challenges over the years, including the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, bandit attacks in parts of the North-West and North-Central, kidnappings for ransom and communal clashes in different regions of the country.
Thousands of people have lost their lives, while many others have been displaced from their homes as a result of the violence.
Successive governments have invested heavily in military operations and other security measures aimed at restoring peace and stability. However, insecurity remains one of the major concerns facing the country.
Musa’s comments add to growing calls for stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies in the fight against crime.
In many instances, communities are often the first to notice unfamiliar faces, suspicious movements or unusual activities that may indicate criminal plans.
However, fear of reprisals, lack of trust in authorities and concerns about confidentiality have sometimes discouraged people from volunteering information.
The Defence Minister’s appeal comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to improve coordination among security agencies and strengthen community-based approaches to security management.
Since assuming office as Minister of Defence, Musa has consistently emphasised the need for a whole-of-society approach to addressing insecurity.
He has maintained that military force alone cannot solve the problem without the support and cooperation of citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders.
The Platform, where he delivered the remarks, is an annual event that brings together government officials, business leaders, professionals and public figures to discuss national issues and propose solutions to challenges confronting the country.
This year’s Democracy Day edition focused on governance, national development and the responsibilities of citizens in building a stronger Nigeria.
While security agencies continue their operations against terrorists and bandits, experts believe that lasting peace can only be achieved when communities refuse to provide support, whether knowingly or unknowingly, to criminal groups.
As Nigeria continues its fight against insecurity, the Defence Minister’s call serves as a reminder that defeating terrorism and banditry requires more than military action. It demands vigilance, trust, information sharing and a shared commitment by all Nigerians to protect their communities and safeguard the nation’s future.