“When discussions about national security are reduced to personal attacks or political propaganda, the result is confusion rather than progress”.
BY SULEIMAN ABUBAKAR KINKINAU
The recent statement circulating online suggesting that insecurity became worse simply because General Christopher Gwabin Musa assumed the position of Minister of Defence deserves a more thoughtful examination. Public commentary on national security is important in any democratic society, but such commentary must be guided by facts rather than emotions or political narratives.
First, it is necessary to remind ourselves that the insurgency carried out by Boko Haram did not begin recently, nor did it start during the tenure of General Christopher Gwabin Musa in government. The insurgency dates back to 2009 and has evolved over the years into a much more complex network of violent groups operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. The emergence of Islamic State West Africa Province further complicated the security landscape in the North-East and the wider Sahel region.
These groups have developed new tactics, strengthened cross-border alliances, and expanded their operational methods over the years. Such developments are not the result of a single appointment or the actions of one individual.
It is also important to understand that the role of a Defence Minister—whether civilian or military—is not the same as commanding troops directly in the battlefield. The armed forces operate through a structured chain of command involving service chiefs, operational commanders, intelligence units, and joint task forces. The Minister of Defence provides policy direction and coordination, but operational outcomes depend on many layers of institutional effort.
This is why the comparison some commentators are making between General Christopher Gwabin Musa and former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar is overly simplistic. Security challenges do not suddenly disappear or escalate simply because a different individual occupies the office.
Nigeria’s insecurity has deeper roots. Issues such as porous borders across the Sahel, illegal arms proliferation following the collapse of Libya, organized criminal networks, economic hardship in vulnerable communities, and extremist recruitment have all contributed to the persistence of terrorism and banditry. These structural problems have been building for many years and cannot be solved overnight.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa himself has spent decades serving Nigeria in the military before assuming political leadership in the defence sector. His career was shaped through years of operational service, strategic responsibilities, and contributions to the country’s counter-insurgency efforts. Such experience should not be dismissed lightly simply because some observers are impatient with the pace of progress.
The fight against terrorism anywhere in the world is rarely linear. There are periods of relative stability followed by spikes in attacks when insurgent groups attempt to regain relevance or demonstrate strength. This pattern has been observed in conflicts across Africa, the Middle East, and even in parts of Europe and Asia.
Therefore, using temporary fluctuations in security incidents as a basis for condemning individuals is not only unfair but also distracts from the real conversation that Nigeria needs to have about strengthening institutions and improving long-term strategies.
Criticism of government policies is healthy and necessary. However, criticism must be constructive and grounded in facts. When discussions about national security are reduced to personal attacks or political propaganda, the result is confusion rather than progress.
Nigeria’s security challenge is a national responsibility that involves government institutions, security agencies, community leaders, and citizens alike. What the country needs at this moment is a united commitment to confronting these threats rather than rushing to assign blame.
Before we point fingers at individuals, we must first understand the depth and complexity of the challenges facing our nation. Only then can we contribute meaningfully to the search for lasting solutions.
…Suleiman Abubakar Kinkinau, is a public affairs analyst based in Kaduna
