The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians to actively support security agencies in the fight against insecurity, warning that lasting peace cannot be achieved without public cooperation.
Musa made the call on Saturday night in Abuja at the 7th OurNigeria News Awards, themed “Resilience and Renewal,” where he described Nigeria’s security challenges as a complex form of modern, asymmetric warfare that requires collective action beyond military efforts.
According to him, criminal elements often hide within communities, blending in as ordinary citizens and making them difficult to identify through conventional security operations.
“This is not a war against another country. The enemy is within, and that makes it more dangerous,” he said.
The defence minister stressed that intelligence sharing and timely reporting by citizens remain critical in tackling banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and insurgency.
“You cannot identify them by appearance. It could be someone you trust or consider a friend. That is why Nigerians must not give criminals any safe haven,” Musa added.
He assured Nigerians that security agencies would act decisively on credible information, noting that the nation’s security situation is gradually improving due to sustained military operations, improved intelligence gathering, and growing public support.
“We are getting there. Peace is a whole-of-society effort, and everyone has a role to play,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the Emir of Doma Kingdom, Alhaji Ahmadu Onawu, described OurNigeria as a symbol of patriotism and national renewal, urging Nigerians to take responsibility for nation-building and effective use of the country’s resources.
Also speaking, the Publisher of OurNigeria News Magazine, Sani Abubakar, said the awards were founded on integrity and credibility, stressed that recipients were honoured without financial or political influence.
He noted that the participation of awardees from countries such as South Africa and Liberia at their own expense reflected the credibility of the recognition.
Abubakar added that the awards aim to inspire positive impact in communities, citing philanthropist Sadik Ishan’s support for both CAN and JNI as a symbol of unity and religious tolerance.
At the event, Musa received the Man of the Year 2025 award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national security.
The ceremony attracted political leaders, security chiefs, traditional rulers, professionals, and civil society stakeholders who gathered to celebrate outstanding service and contributions to national development.
