The Federal Government has called for enhanced collaboration and coordination among security and intelligence agencies to effectively address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, made the call while addressing journalists after a high-level meeting with intelligence and security stakeholders at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja.
Musa stressed the urgent need for a unified and integrated approach to intelligence gathering and operations, particularly in the face of asymmetric warfare.
He commended the dedication and resilience of security personnel, noting that despite numerous challenges, they have continued to serve with commitment and courage, often without adequate recognition due to the complex nature of current security threats.
The minister described the nation’s security situation as a collective concern, emphasizing that Nigeria’s response must also be collective. He noted that while security agencies had recorded significant progress, their efforts had often been fragmented, thereby limiting overall effectiveness.
“We have been operating in silos for too long. It is time to come together, harness our collective intelligence, and work as a unified team to support our troops and safeguard the nation,” he said.
Musa reiterated the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for enhanced joint action across all security institutions, stressing that every agency and parastatal has a critical role in ensuring national security.
He underscored the need to effectively integrate both human and technical intelligence to produce actionable outcomes that would enable rapid response by troops in the field.
The minister also highlighted the importance of public participation, urging Nigerians to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information to relevant authorities.
“Asymmetric warfare requires intelligence-driven operations. The enemy is often hidden, making it imperative for us to strengthen our intelligence architecture and remain vigilant at all times,” he added.
The meeting, described as the first of its kind at the Ministry of Defence, is expected to herald a more coordinated intelligence framework aimed at improving operational efficiency and strengthening national security.
