Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (rtd) has called on Nigerians to provide greater security forces support, insisting that military personnel and other security agencies are not enemies of the state but partners in the collective effort to restore peace and stability.
Musa made the appeal while speaking at the June 12, 2026 edition of The Platform in Lagos, where he addressed issues surrounding national security and the role of citizens in combating insecurity. According to the Defence Minister, violence and instability affect all Nigerians, including members of the armed forces who continue to make sacrifices in the line of duty.
Musa said security operatives often face painful realities that are not always visible to the public, including the loss of colleagues during operations and the long-term impact of injuries sustained while defending the country.
“The security forces are not the enemies of the state. In fact, what I always say is that we are all victims,” he said.
Recalling his experience as commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Musa described the emotional burden associated with informing families about the deaths of military personnel.
“As a commander, I had the privilege of being the commander in the theater Operation Hadin Kai for 19 months, and the worst thing that could ever happen to you is having to meet the families of those who have passed on, who were killed, to explain to them what happened to their children, to their wards, or to see those ones that have been amputated because the vehicles they were riding went through Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, which has taken their limbs,” he stated.
The Defence Minister stressed that effective security operations require continuous support from citizens and communities across the country. He urged Nigerians to recognise the sacrifices made by military personnel and other security operatives working to protect lives and property.
“So, I want to appeal to Nigerians that as long as these individuals are sacrificing themselves, we have a country to protect. We must honour them, we must support them, we must give them everything that will keep them going, and together with the support of citizens, so much can be achieved, and I can assure you that,” Musa said.
Musa described the fight against insecurity as a collective responsibility that extends beyond security agencies alone. He noted that stronger collaboration between citizens and security institutions can improve intelligence gathering, strengthen community protection and enhance operational effectiveness.
According to him, sustained security forces support will contribute significantly to ongoing efforts aimed at tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges facing the country.
The Defence Minister’s remarks highlighted the human cost of insecurity on both civilians and security personnel. By calling for greater security forces support, Musa emphasised the importance of national unity and cooperation in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and sustaining progress against criminal and terrorist threats.
