Nigeria Will Defeat Insecurity — Defence Minister
By Shalom Ikuvbogie
Nigeria will overcome its current security challenges despite the pressure from multiple fronts, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has assured.
Musa gave the assurance in Abuja at an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the National Christian Centre to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
He said the country was facing threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to kidnapping and other criminal activities, but stressed that the armed forces and other security agencies remained committed and resilient in tackling them.
According to him, the dedication, sacrifice and professionalism of the military, police and other security personnel would see the nation through the difficult period.
Musa said the occasion was one of reflection and remembrance, noting that Nigeria was honouring officers and men who paid the supreme price in defence of the country. He added that their sacrifices would never be forgotten and would remain part of Nigeria’s history.
He also commended serving personnel and their families, particularly spouses, for their support and resilience, assuring them that their welfare remained a priority for the government.
The defence minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was fully committed to equipping, motivating and supporting the armed forces and other security agencies to enable them carry out their constitutional duties effectively.
He thanked security personnel across the country for their continued efforts to keep Nigeria safe despite the risks involved.
In his sermon, the cleric, Most Rev. Uche Dan Okafor, urged members of the armed forces to remain loyal to democracy and resist any temptation to undermine Nigeria’s democratic system, especially as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
He acknowledged the security challenges confronting the nation but encouraged military personnel not to be discouraged, describing their efforts against criminality as service to both the nation and God.
Okafor also called on the military to remain neutral in political matters and warned against the spread of military coups witnessed in some West African countries in recent years.
He praised the sacrifices of the armed forces and other security agencies, noting that their efforts had enabled Nigerians to carry on with daily life without constant fear.
Also speaking at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the National Assembly, working with the Executive, was determined to restore Nigeria’s status as one of the most peaceful and secure nations in Africa.
Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Peter Nwebonyi, Akpabio said the sacrifices of fallen and serving military personnel had strengthened the nation’s resolve to build a safer, stronger and more united Nigeria.
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He described Nigeria as a country of great diversity bound by a shared destiny, adding that freedom of religion and worship, as guaranteed by the Constitution, remained central to the nation’s democracy.
Akpabio paid tribute to fallen heroes and prayed for protection, strength and wisdom for serving members of the armed forces and other security agencies safeguarding the country’s unity and sovereignty.
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