Defense Minister Musa: Security Forces Are Victims Too, Urges Public Cooperation Against Insecurity
Defense Minister General Christopher Musa (rtd) stated that Nigeria's security forces are not enemies of the state but victims of insecurity alongside all Nigerians. Speaking at Channels Television's 'The Platform' on June 12, 2026, Musa drew from his 19-month command of Operation Hadin Kai, describing the trauma of meeting families of fallen soldiers and seeing amputees from IED blasts.
This reframes Nigeria's security challenge as a shared national burden rather than a conflict between citizens and security forces. By emphasizing collective victimhood, Musa aims to rebuild trust and encourage public cooperation with military and police efforts against insurgency, banditry, and other threats nationwide.
Musa appealed for Nigerians to honor and support security personnel making sacrifices, stressing that defeating insecurity requires citizens working together with institutions. While no specific actions were announced, his message implies citizens should cooperate with security forces, report suspicious activities, and support government initiatives to protect those protecting the nation.