Insecurity: Defence Minister Urges Unity, Vigilance, Receives Southern Kaduna Award

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), has urged Nigerians to remain united and support security agencies with credible intelligence to tackle insecurity across the country effectively.

Musa stated this at the weekend in Kafanchan while receiving the prestigious Grand Commander of Southern Kaduna Award at the Southern Kaduna Festival (SKFEST) 2026.

The Minister stressed that security agencies could not win the fight against criminality without the active cooperation of communities.

“The Armed Forces and other security agencies cannot do it alone. We need the support of communities. When people provide timely information and report suspicious activities, it becomes easier to identify and defeat criminal elements,” he said.

The Defence Minister noted that criminals often rely on informants and collaborators within communities, urging citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

He commended the people of Southern Kaduna for the honour bestowed on him, describing the recognition as particularly significant because it came from his own people.

“There is a unique feeling that comes with being recognised by your own people. This award is not just for me but for everyone who contributed to my journey and for the hardworking men and women of Southern Kaduna who continue to make positive contributions to society,” he said.

Musa dedicated the award to farmers, teachers, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, security personnel, traditional rulers and community volunteers whose efforts continue to drive development and strengthen communities.

He also assured families of kidnapped victims that efforts were ongoing to secure their release.

“As we speak, some of our brothers and sisters remain in captivity. We have not forgotten them and will continue to do everything possible to secure their freedom,” he stated.

Musa further urged young people to embrace education, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition while rejecting violence, criminality, extremism and substance abuse.

Meanwhile, the Southern Kaduna Leadership Council called on the Kaduna State Government to restore the status, dignity and powers of traditional rulers, arguing that stronger traditional institutions would enhance security, peace and development across communities.

The Chairman of the forum, Elder Dary Akau, said traditional rulers remain the first line of security because they are closest to the people and possess deep knowledge of their communities.

“One of the major issues before us today is the role of our traditional rulers. They remain a vital component of community security and development because they understand the realities on the ground,” Akau said.

He lamented that certain policies and administrative practices had weakened traditional institutions over the years and urged the government to restore them to their rightful place within the state’s governance and security architecture.

According to him, empowering traditional rulers would complement government efforts to tackle insecurity and foster peaceful coexistence across Southern Kaduna and beyond.

Akau also commended the resilience of the people of Southern Kaduna and the organisers of the festival, noting that despite initial doubts and challenges, the event was successfully held.