By Bavoriat Clara
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has underscored the importance of close collaboration between the Ministries of Defence and Interior as a critical pillar for strengthening Nigeria’s security and sustaining national development.
General Musa made the assertion during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Interior in Abuja, noting that the responsibilities of both ministries are increasingly interconnected in the face of evolving security threats such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and cross-border crimes.
He described the two ministries as “two sides of the same coin,” responsible for external and internal security respectively, and stressed that sustainable development cannot thrive in the absence of adequate security.
The Defence Minister emphasized the need for seamless cooperation among the Armed Forces of Nigeria and internal security agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Nigerian Correctional Service. According to him, intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated responses are essential, as no single institution can effectively address Nigeria’s complex security challenges in isolation.
He disclosed that ongoing efforts are focused on strengthening border management, safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, and institutionalising structured inter-ministerial and inter-agency cooperation. General Musa added that enhanced capacity building, joint training and the deployment of technology for real-time situational awareness remain key priorities.
He reassured Nigerians of the Defence Ministry’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Interior and other stakeholders to build a more responsive and unified national security architecture in the interest of peace, stability and public confidence.
In his response, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olatunji Ojo, described national security as a combination of both internal and external components, noting that effective internal security enables the military to concentrate on its core responsibilities. He stated that Nigeria’s security framework rests on a tripod of intelligence, internal security and the military, with intelligence playing a central role.
Dr. Ojo likened the Ministries of Defence and Interior to “Siamese twins,” stressing that both must work together to achieve lasting security. He further emphasized that effective border management is fundamental to national safety, noting that no country can guarantee the security of its citizens without adequately protecting its borders.
The Interior Minister congratulated General Musa on his appointment and pledged sustained collaboration between the two ministries to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. He expressed optimism that the partnership would yield positive outcomes in enhancing peace and stability across the country.
The visit, according to a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, reflects the federal government’s resolve to promote synergy among security institutions in addressing contemporary security challenges.
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