The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has said that addressing the complex security challenges confronting Nigeria’s South-East requires more than military operations, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach that combines security, good governance, economic development and community participation.
Musa made the remarks on Thursday at the South East Regional Security Summit 2026 held in Umuahia, Abia State. The summit, organised by the Ministry of Defence, was themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability.”
According to the Defence Minister, while security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property, sustainable peace depends on tackling the root causes of insecurity through collaboration, trust-building and inclusive development.
“The South-East remains one of Nigeria’s most vibrant regions, renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, commerce and human capital. However, persistent challenges such as violent criminality, kidnapping, attacks on security personnel and public infrastructure, the proliferation of illicit arms, youth restiveness and misinformation continue to undermine public confidence, economic growth and social cohesion,” Musa said.
He emphasised that military action alone cannot resolve the region’s security concerns.
“Addressing these challenges demands more than security operations. It requires a comprehensive approach that tackles both the immediate threats and their underlying causes. We must reject every narrative that seeks to divide our people and instead embrace dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation as the foundation for lasting peace,” he added.
The Defence Minister noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, continues to invest in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies through improved training, modern equipment, enhanced intelligence gathering and stronger inter-agency coordination. According to him, these efforts are already producing measurable gains across different theatres of operation.
Also speaking at the summit, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described peace and security in the South-East as essential to Nigeria’s economic growth, national unity and democratic development.
He said security should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of security agencies but as a shared duty involving governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and citizens.
“The Federal Government remains fully committed to ensuring that every community across the South-East enjoys lasting peace and security. Security is the foundation for investment, education, agriculture and economic prosperity. When the South-East is secure, Nigeria is stronger,” Idris stated.
He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to protecting lives and property through improved intelligence sharing, stronger collaboration among security agencies, enhanced operational equipment and international partnerships.
The minister also urged citizens to reject misinformation and support ongoing constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening grassroots policing through the proposed establishment of state police.
“Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, opportunity, inclusion and hope. Together, we must reject division and work to build communities founded on trust and shared prosperity,” he said.
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The summit also featured remarks from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, who called for deeper cooperation among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to address the underlying causes of insecurity while reaffirming the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to sustaining peace across the South-East.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Abia State Governor Alex Otti; representatives of governors from Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states, as well as traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, Senator Yar’Adua said lawmakers remain committed to providing legislative support to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, noting that insecurity can only be overcome through partnerships among government, security agencies, traditional institutions and citizens.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and implement practical reforms capable of addressing the evolving security challenges facing the South-East.
He maintained that achieving lasting peace requires collaboration, community trust and collective responsibility rather than relying solely on the use of force.