Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has raised fresh concerns over the role of local informants and collaborators in sustaining terrorism, banditry and insurgency across the country.
Musa said the persistence of insecurity is largely driven by the support criminal groups receive from within communities, describing such assistance as a critical lifeline for their operations.
The minister spoke on Friday at the 2026 edition of The Platform Nigeria, held to mark Democracy Day and hosted by Poju Oyemade.
Addressing participants on the theme, “Governance, Democracy and National Security,” Musa said terrorists and bandits rely heavily on civilians for food, intelligence, logistics and funding.
According to him, this network of support has made it increasingly difficult for security agencies to decisively defeat criminal elements.
“Everything revolves around the people. If the people are ready and willing to make changes, changes will occur. If the people are not willing, nothing will happen,” he said.
He added that many criminal groups thrive because they are embedded within local populations, receiving assistance that keeps them operational.
“There are several stories of how people have aided them by giving them food, water and information. These are the things that keep them going — what we call the oxygen,” Musa stated.
The minister stressed that modern security threats differ significantly from conventional warfare, noting that enemies are no longer easily identifiable.
“In the past, warfare was state-to-state, so you knew your enemy. Today, the most dangerous situation is when the enemy is within — among the very people you are trying to protect,” he said.
He warned that without public cooperation, the efforts of the military and other security agencies would continue to yield limited results.
Musa urged Nigerians to close ranks and resist divisions often exploited by criminal groups.
“We must continue to work in unity because these gaps between us are what these individuals exploit to divide and weaken us,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, emphasised the need for a truly independent legislature to strengthen democracy and promote accountability.
Saraki cautioned against a situation where the National Assembly merely endorses executive decisions without proper scrutiny.
“A legislature that cannot say no is not a legislature at all. One that simply approves executive proposals without scrutiny has only performed a ceremonial role,” he said.
He maintained that legislative independence should not be mistaken for confrontation with the executive, but rather seen as essential for credible governance.
“The independence of the National Assembly is not rebellion. It is what makes government legitimate, because a mandate that is never tested cannot be trusted,” Saraki added.
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