Christopher Musa has stated that terrorism and insecurity have reduced significantly across Nigeria, despite ongoing concerns over kidnappings and violent attacks in parts of the country.
The defence minister made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television, where he assessed Nigeria’s security performance at between 65 and 70 percent.
Musa Says Security Situation Has Improved
According to Musa, no country is entirely free from crime or criminality, but Nigeria has made notable progress in reducing terrorist activities compared to previous years.
He acknowledged that kidnappings and isolated attacks still occur, although he insisted the overall security environment has improved.
The minister praised the efforts of the armed forces and security agencies, saying they continue to work tirelessly across affected regions.
Defence Minister Blames Social Breakdown
Musa linked rising criminal activities to what he described as weakening family values and poor societal orientation.
He said many individuals involved in kidnappings are pursuing quick wealth instead of legitimate means of livelihood.
According to him, the country must also focus on rebuilding moral values and strengthening education systems.
“Some Attacks May Be Politically Motivated”
The minister further suggested that certain criminal incidents could be politically driven to portray the government as weak or make Nigeria appear unstable.
He questioned why kidnappers often demand huge ransom amounts from victims who cannot afford them.
Musa argued that such actions may sometimes be aimed at creating fear and undermining public confidence in governance.
Nigerians Supporting Security Agencies — Musa
The defence minister also commended Nigerians for increasingly cooperating with security agencies.
According to him, intelligence sharing and public support have improved security operations in recent months.
He maintained that the military remains committed to tackling insecurity nationwide.
