The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has identified hunger and poverty as major social issues driving persistent national security threats in Nigeria.
He made this known on Monday in Abuja during the 14th National Security Seminar, organised by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Training at Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shetimma, General Musa called for a collective national effort to tackle hunger and poverty. He also emphasised the importance of promptly reporting suspicious activities.
“Insecurity is no longer defined solely by the presence of weapons, but now stems from economic hardship, food insecurity, and social instability,” he stated.
The Defence Chief stressed that empowering young people, improving livelihoods, promoting tolerance, and attracting private investment are essential to building a safe and resilient nation.
Also speaking at the seminar, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, advocated for human-centred security strategies aimed at addressing the underlying causes of insecurity, including unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion.
The seminar, themed “Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria,” was organised in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Defence College.
