Defence Minister seeks technology-driven strategies to tackle insecurity

Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has called for a shift from reliance on kinetic military operations to intelligence-led and technology-driven strategies to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.

Musa made the call on Monday at the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Conference on National Security and Awards Ceremony in Abuja.

The conference was themed “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security”.

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The minister, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Relations, retired Air Commodore Steven Ogunmodede, said the theme reflected the operational realities confronting the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He commended DECAN for highlighting the changing nature of contemporary security threats, noting that traditional measures of military activity did not fully capture the effectiveness of security operations.

“For a long time, public understanding of security operations has been shaped largely by visible military action; troops deployed, engagements conducted, territory recovered and arrests made.

“These remain important measures of operational activity, but they do not tell the whole story,” he said.

Musa noted that security threats had become increasingly complex and interconnected, with terrorist groups, criminal networks and other adversaries exploiting information, technology, financial systems and gaps in coordination.

He said an effective response required a combination of combat operations, timely intelligence, technological capabilities, sound planning and cooperation among relevant security institutions.

According to him, intelligence-led operations enable security agencies to identify threats early, understand criminal networks, anticipate adversaries’ intentions and act with precision to prevent attacks.

The minister said technology could strengthen surveillance, reconnaissance, communications and analytical capabilities but stressed that its effectiveness depended on trained personnel, reliable systems, appropriate operational procedures and sound judgement.

“Technology is a force multiplier; it does not replace the human judgement, discipline and professional competence upon which military effectiveness ultimately depends,” he said.

He added that the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria recognised the importance of these capabilities and continued to pursue approaches aimed at improving situational awareness, intelligence coordination and operational effectiveness.

Musa urged security institutions to embrace innovation and adapt to emerging threats, ensuring that investments in technology translated into practical improvements in protecting lives, defending the country’s territorial integrity and responding to security challenges.

He also emphasised the need for stronger cooperation across Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that no single institution possessed all the information and capabilities required to tackle the country’s security problems.

Addressing the role of defence correspondents, the minister said relations between security institutions and the media sometimes involved balancing the public’s right to information with the operational requirements of security agencies.

He, however, maintained that responsible journalism and national security objectives should not be treated as incompatible.

“I do not believe these interests should be treated as inherently incompatible. Responsible journalism strengthens public understanding, promotes accountability and helps sustain confidence in our institutions.

“An appreciation of operational realities helps ensure that reporting does not inadvertently undermine ongoing efforts to protect lives,” he said.

Musa noted that intelligence-led operations were not always visible to the public, explaining that successful intelligence efforts might remain undisclosed to protect sensitive information and ongoing operations.

He said the absence of visible military engagements should not automatically be interpreted as a lack of action by security agencies.

“Security institutions must recognise that public confidence is strengthened when information is communicated accurately, promptly and responsibly,” he added.

The minister urged defence correspondents to maintain professionalism and sound judgement, describing scrutiny of the Armed Forces as legitimate and necessary for improving institutional performance.

He, however, cautioned against publishing unverified reports or sensitive operational details that could expose security personnel, compromise operations or endanger civilians.

“My expectation is not that the media should abandon legitimate scrutiny, but that the pursuit of information should be balanced with an appreciation of the consequences that reporting can sometimes carry in a security environment,” Musa said.