Minister of Defence-designate, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has assured Nigerians that the country has the capacity to win the war against insurgency, kidnapping and banditry in so far as there is holistic collaboration by all.
Musa stated that with the right number of boots on the ground, what was required was for Nigeria to work as a united country to defeat the criminals.
Musa recommended that state governors, in particular and other high-profile political office holders must collaborate with the Armed Forces, in addition to deploying modern technology and adequate budgetary provisions for the counter-terrorism war.
The ministerial nominee was speaking on Wednesday when he appeared before the Senate in Abuja for confirmation screening.
“We can win this war, but we have to work together; if we collaborate with one another, it is very possible. Everyone, state governors, we have to be on it”, he told senators.
Musa promised to review all current security strategies and conduct a holistic investigation into why certain operations appeared to have been compromised.
He cited the case of the alleged withdrawal of troops from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in the town of Maga, Kebbi State, before terrorists abducted 24 schoolgirls two weeks ago.
He also referenced the capture and killing of the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, General Musa Uba in Borno State by insurgents under suspicious circumstances, assuring Nigerians that the truth would be unearthed through investigation.
Musa, who declared “zero tolerance” for banditry, terrorism and kidnapping, also gave the assurance that the armed forces must be accountable for their actions while on operations by taking the fight to the criminals.
“I will do my best in ensuring Nigeria is secured. But we need support from everyone. We are dealing with evil forces who have no respect for human lives. That’s why we must work together.
“The important thing is for us to take ownership of the fight and our country”, he added.
He noted a worrying situation whereby the trial of suspects was either delayed due to the country’s slow legal system or no punishment was meted to offenders.
On the question of whether it is proper to negotiate with terrorists and bandits, the nominee ruled it out, saying that it only allowed the criminals to buy time and redraw their own strategies.
“Also, our laws and prosecution have to be swift. When there is immediate punishment, that will serve as a deterrent to others”, he stated.
The session, which was presided over by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had many senators asking questions on different security challenges and what Musa would do differently to change the situation.
Although he was advised against disclosing his security strategies in the open, Musa, among others, recommended a unified national database for the country to track information on every person in Nigeria and the deployment of technology.
The Senate later confirmed his nomination as a minister.
Meanwhile, senators on Wednesday unanimously supported the death penalty as punishment for any act of kidnapping.
The endorsement came as they debated the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill 2025, which was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, for second reading.
The bill was later referred to the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Committee on National Security and Intelligence as well as the Committee on Interior for further legislative work.
