In a call to arms against insecurity, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has urged communities to stop harbouring bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements. His remarks were made during the 7th OurNigeria News Awards in Abuja, themed “Resilience and Renewal.”
General Musa highlighted that insecurity in Nigeria persists partly due to individuals and communities shielding criminals from security agencies. He noted, “This is asymmetric warfare. Unlike conventional warfare, the enemy is within, making it more perilous.”
He explained that criminals often blend into communities, posing as ordinary citizens, which complicates intelligence sharing and prompt reporting. “You cannot identify a criminal by their appearance; it could be someone you trust. Therefore, no safe haven should be provided for these individuals,” he asserted.
The Minister called on Nigerians to report all forms of criminal activity, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, assuring that security forces would respond decisively. He acknowledged that the security situation in the country is gradually improving, attributing this progress to sustained military operations, enhanced intelligence gathering, and growing public support.
“We are making strides. Peace is a collective effort, and everyone has a role to play,” he stated.
In a goodwill message, the Emir of Doma Kingdom, Ahmadu Onawu, praised OurNigeria as more than a publication, representing patriotism, hope, and national renewal. He stressed that Nigeria is endowed with exceptional human capital and abundant natural resources, asserting that the nation has no reason to remain impoverished.
Onawu pointed out that the primary challenge facing Nigeria is not a lack of resources but the failure to fully harness human and material assets for nation-building and sustainable development. He urged all Nigerians to take responsibility for building a prosperous and self-reliant nation, warning that future generations would judge the present by the legacy it leaves behind.
Sani Abubakar, publisher of OurNigeria News Magazine, emphasised that the core message of the awards is integrity and credibility. “People travelled from as far as South Africa and Liberia to receive this recognition, which speaks volumes about its significance,” he noted.
Abubakar highlighted that credible awards command respect and commitment, recalling an award recipient who interrupted an international journey to attend the event. “If an award lacks credibility and is merely commercial, people wouldn’t take such risks,” he asserted.
He explained that the awards aim to recognise excellence without financial or political ties, stressing that honourees are not required to pay for recognition. “Acknowledging exceptional efforts matters; it motivates individuals to strive for greater achievements,” he said.
The publisher cited philanthropist Sadik Ishan from Gombe State, who donated vehicles to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), showcasing a commitment to religious tolerance and national unity. “These are the actions we want Nigerians to promote. Encouraging such individuals leads to greater societal contributions,” he added.
Abubakar noted that many award recipients are making positive impacts in their communities without seeking recognition, and celebrating these contributions would inspire further commitment to national development. He expressed optimism that the awards would expand in scale and impact over the next five to ten years, with plans to introduce cash grants to some recipients to empower them further.
At the event, General Musa was honoured with the Man of the Year 2025 award for his national leadership, dedication to security, and commitment to Nigeria’s peace and stability. The 7th OurNigeria News Awards brought together political leaders, security chiefs, scholars, traditional rulers, professionals, and civil society actors to recognise outstanding service and contributions to national development.
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of insecurity
