The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has identified inadequate national data infrastructure as a major obstacle to tracking criminals and tackling insecurity across Nigeria.
Speaking at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja on Saturday, Mr Musa said the absence of a comprehensive and integrated national database continues to hamper intelligence gathering, crime detection, and effective security operations.
“We are struggling because we do not have a proper database,” he said. “Without accurate information and timely intelligence, it becomes difficult to identify, track, and apprehend criminal elements operating within our communities.”
According to the minister, modern security threats have become increasingly organised, adaptive, and technology-driven, requiring accurate data to counter them. He noted that many criminal networks exploit gaps in identity management and information sharing to evade security agencies.
Mr Musa stressed the need for a secure national platform enabling information sharing among security agencies, private sector actors, and local communities. He also said effective security could no longer be left to government institutions alone, adding that citizens, communities, and the private sector have critical roles to play.
“Security agencies are not magicians. Without timely information and public support, it becomes extremely difficult to prevent criminal activities,” he said.
The minister identified terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, organised crime, oil theft, illegal mining, cyber threats, and attacks on critical infrastructure as major threats confronting the country. While the federal government continues to invest in the Armed Forces and other security agencies, he emphasised that military action alone cannot resolve all security challenges.
Mr Musa advocated greater deployment of technology, including artificial intelligence, drones, biometric systems, satellite imagery, cybersecurity tools, and predictive analytics in security operations. He urged stakeholders to support local defence production and innovation to reduce dependence on foreign security solutions, and called for stronger public-private partnerships, community engagement, and improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
“Nigeria’s security future cannot be secured through isolated efforts. It requires collaboration between government, industry, and communities,” he said. (NAN)
