- Tunji-Ojo, Musa Assure Nigerians of Improved Security Collaboration
- …to set up inter-ministerial c’ttee on effective synergy
- Says while Nigeria faces security challenges, the situation is often exaggerated by perception
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), have assured Nigerians of enhanced security and public safety as both ministries intensify collaboration to address the country’s security challenges.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the assurance was given during a strategic meeting between the two ministers held in Abuja on Friday, January 16, where they pledged stronger coordination between internal and external security agencies.
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Welcoming the Defence Minister, Tunji-Ojo described Musa’s appointment as a reflection of the confidence President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has in his leadership and experience. He stressed the importance of unity among security institutions, noting that national security requires a seamless partnership between internal and external forces.
According to the Interior Minister, effective collaboration among internal security agencies would significantly reduce pressure on the military, adding that rivalry and institutional silos were counterproductive at a time when national safety must take priority.
“Our thoughts are aligned. Security is both internal and external, and if internal agencies perform their duties effectively, the military will not be overstretched,” Tunji-Ojo said, stressing that agencies must work together without territorial competition.
He noted that while Nigeria faces security challenges, the situation is often exaggerated by perception, adding that border security remains central to national safety. “A safe border is a safe nation. Without protecting our borders, we cannot guarantee national security,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo further outlined his vision for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), stating that the agency should operate as a specialised body focused on its core mandate rather than duplicating the functions of the police or military. He emphasised that the role of paramilitary agencies is to complement, not compete with, other security forces.
The minister also highlighted the importance of data management, intelligence sharing and technology in strengthening security operations. He disclosed plans to establish an inter-ministerial committee to bridge operational gaps between the Ministries of Interior and Defence and improve coordination.
“What Nigerians care about is performance and safety. We must eliminate communication gaps and operate as one cohesive entity,” he added.
In his remarks, Defence Minister Christopher Musa commended the Ministry of Interior for its role in internal security, describing security as the foundation of national development.
“Without security, there can be no development. If we sustain synergy between defence and interior agencies, the results will be significant,” Musa said, pledging closer cooperation going forward.
He stressed the need to leverage technology for intelligence gathering and sharing, noting that the Nigerian Correctional Service plays a vital role in intelligence collection through information obtained from inmates.
Musa also pointed out that many countries battling asymmetric warfare continue to attract tourists and investment, arguing that Nigeria must improve its narrative while strengthening operational effectiveness.
He warned that paramilitary agencies are often on the front lines of confronting criminals and must be adequately equipped and prepared to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.
“If our personnel are not properly prepared, we cannot win, and we must not continue to lose officers in the line of duty,” the Defence Minister said.
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