Christopher Musa, the Minister of Defence, has articulated that insecurity persists in Nigeria primarily because criminals often find refuge among local communities, making it challenging for security forces to act effectively.
This statement was made during the 7th OurNigeria News Awards held in Abuja, themed "Resilience and Renewal," on Saturday night.
Musa asserted that the country is grappling with a complex and modern genre of conflict, one that transcends traditional military solutions. He underscored the necessity of public cooperation to effectively counter criminal activities.
"This is not typical warfare. Unlike conventional battlefields, the threat resides within our midst, posing a greater challenge," he remarked.
He further explained that perpetrators frequently blend in with everyday citizens, complicating efforts for intelligence sharing and swift reporting of suspicious activities.
“It is difficult to discern a criminal by their appearance. It could be someone in your circle or a trusted individual. Therefore, communities must ensure that offenders find no sanctuary,” he stated.
He called on Nigerians to report any incidents of crime, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, assuring them that the security apparatus would respond assertively.
Musa acknowledged that the overall security situation across Nigeria is gradually improving, linking this progress to ongoing military campaigns, enhanced intelligence efforts, and increased public engagement in security matters.
"We are making strides in this regard, and improvement is noticeable day by day. Achieving peace necessitates a collective effort from all segments of society, with each person playing a role," he said.
During the event, the Emir of Doma, Ahmadu Onawu, conveyed a goodwill message, asserting that OurNigeria represents a beacon of patriotism and hope for the nation.
He emphasized that Nigeria, endowed with exceptional human talent and plentiful resources, should not remain impoverished.
He identified the root issue as the failure to fully leverage these resources for development, urging all citizens, regardless of their status, to be responsible for building a prosperous and self-sufficient nation.
Sani Abubakar, the Publisher of OurNigeria News Magazine, highlighted the importance of integrity and credibility as the core message of the awards. He noted that genuine recognition attracts respect, even prompting individuals to travel from other nations to receive honors, which speaks volumes about the credibility of the awards.
“It’s crucial to celebrate those whose efforts deserve recognition. It also serves to motivate further contributions to national initiatives,” he added.
Abubakar spoke of Sadik Ishan, a philanthropist who offered vehicles to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), describing this gesture as a powerful message of unity and religious tolerance.
He pointed out that many award recipients are making significant contributions to their communities without seeking acknowledgment, and recognizing them will inspire further dedication to national progress.
The awards event culminated in the Minister, Christopher Musa, receiving the prestigious "Man of the Year 2025" award for his leadership and commitment to maintaining peace and security in Nigeria. The ceremony was attended by political leaders, security officials, scholars, and traditional heads, all convened to recognize significant contributions to the country's development.
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