Play active role in national security efforts, Defence minister urges Nigerian students

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), on Monday in Abuja, urged Nigerian students to play active roles in national security efforts during an interactive session with students of the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy, Veritas University, Abuja, at the Ministry of Defence.

The visit, which took place at the Ministry, was aimed at exposing the students to Nigeria’s defence structure and ongoing security engagements.

The Minister said safeguarding national unity is a collective responsibility involving both government and citizens.

According to a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by Queenet Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer for the Director, Press and Public Relations, Gen. Musa stressed the need for youth involvement in security awareness and reporting.

According to the Minister, “Students, as youths and future leaders, have a vital role to play in fighting insecurity. See and report everything happening around you. The nation’s unity is not for government alone; everyone has a role to play in the peace and security of the nation,”

The statement noted that the Minister responded to questions on technological gaps, food and human security, and Nigeria’s Memorandum of Understanding with Turkey.

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He explained that the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to address gaps in technology, while also using available land resources to support mechanised agriculture for food production.

On local defence production, Gen. Musa said skilled Nigerians are being integrated into the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to support the production of military equipment, including drones.

He added that local production remains important due to challenges in arms procurement linked to global security tensions, including the ongoing Iran crisis.

The Minister also urged students to avoid cybercrime and focus on productive use of local resources and creativity for national development.

He added that military training should be more widely encouraged.

According to him, Speaking “Military training is not punishment. It challenges you, expands your view about life, and builds resilience. Too much comfort can stifle creativity and leave people unchallenged,” he said.

On Nigeria’s cooperation with Turkey, Gen. Musa noted that the country is drawing from Turkey’s experience of over 40 years in counter-terrorism to strengthen its own security strategies.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, received the 54 students and their lecturer, noting that the visit was designed to give them practical exposure to defence operations and career pathways in intelligence and security studies.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the group leader said the visit provided better understanding of the Ministry’s role in peace, stability, and national development.