The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasized that military successes alone cannot guarantee lasting peace, urging a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking at the unveiling of the book Beyond the Symptoms: Tackling the Root of Nigeria’s Insecurity, authored by retired AVM Sayo Olatunde in Abuja, Musa, represented by his Special Adviser on Policy and Strategy, retired Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi, highlighted the need for structural and socio-economic interventions alongside military operations.
“Military successes alone cannot deliver enduring peace. We must confront the socio-economic, ideological, and systemic issues that fuel insecurity,” Musa stated, noting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have achieved significant gains against insurgency, banditry, separatist threats, and oil-related crimes across the country.
The Minister described the book as a timely contribution to national security discourse, offering practical insights for policymakers, security agencies, and citizens to better understand and tackle the drivers of insecurity.
Also speaking, the Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by his Special Assistant on Strategy and Innovation Prof. Mukhtar Abugadri, emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges require a whole-of-society response. He urged stakeholders to adopt proactive, inclusive, and sustainable strategies anchored on justice, good governance, and social inclusion.
The event attracted security experts, government officials, traditional leaders, and scholars, who all underscored the importance of coordinated national efforts to address the underlying causes of insecurity.
The discussions highlighted that while military action remains necessary, sustainable peace in Nigeria depends on addressing systemic inequities, fostering social cohesion, and implementing policies that tackle the socio economic roots of conflict.
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