Local collaborators supporting insecurity, says Defense Minister

Defense Minister Christopher Musa has raised fresh concerns over the role of informants and local collaborators in supporting terrorism, banditry and insurgency across the country.

Musa said the persistence of insecurity is largely driven by the support criminal groups receive from communities, describing such assistance as a critical lifeline to their operations.

The minister spoke on Friday at the 2026 edition of The Platform Nigeria, held in celebration of 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 support network has made it increasingly difficult for security agencies to decisively defeat criminal elements.

“It’s all about the people. If people are ready and willing to make changes, changes will happen. If people aren’t willing, nothing will happen,” he said.

He added that many criminal groups thrive because they are rooted in local populations, receiving assistance that keeps them operational.

“There are several stories about how people helped them by giving them food, water and information. These are the things that keep them going: what we call oxygen,” Musa said.

The minister stressed that modern security threats differ significantly from conventional warfare, stressing 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, efforts by the military and other security agencies will continue to yield limited results.

Musa urged Nigerians to close ranks and resist divisions often exploited by criminal groups.

“We must continue to work together 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 underlined the need for a truly independent parliament to strengthen democracy and promote accountability.

Saraki warned against a situation where the National Assembly simply approves executive decisions without adequate oversight.

“A parliament that cannot say no is not a parliament at all. One that simply approves executive proposals without scrutiny has only played a ceremonial role,” he said.

He argued that legislative independence should not be confused with confrontation with the executive, but rather seen as essential to credible governance.

“The independence of the National Assembly is not rebellion. It is what makes the government legitimate, because you cannot trust a mandate that is never tested,” Saraki added.

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