DEFENCE MINISTER ASSURES NIGERIANS ABROAD OF STRONGER SECURITY MEASURES

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security across Nigeria, with the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, assuring Nigerians in the diaspora that efforts are underway to make the country safer.

Musa gave the assurance while interacting with members of the Nigerian community in Angola during Nigeria’s participation in the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda.

The minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained determined to neutralise security threats across the country and create an environment that would allow Nigerians living abroad to visit their homeland without fear.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to increase the manpower and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies involved in maintaining national security.

According to Musa, the government is implementing targeted interventions across different sectors of the national security framework to address emerging threats and improve the country's overall security architecture.

He acknowledged that some of Nigeria's security challenges are influenced by instability in the Sahel region, noting that insecurity in neighbouring countries can spill across Nigeria's borders.

To address this challenge, the minister said the government was strengthening border management measures to prevent criminals and other security threats from taking advantage of Nigeria's borders.

Musa also stressed the importance of using reliable data in the formulation of national security strategies and development plans.

He said the government's efforts to restore lasting peace and stability remained on course, with security agencies working to improve their coordination and operational effectiveness.

The meeting in Angola also provided an opportunity for members of the Nigerian diaspora to raise concerns and receive responses from representatives of the Federal Government.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who was also present, highlighted recent improvements in data protection and identity management.

Tunji-Ojo said stronger cooperation among government agencies was already producing measurable results and would continue to support efforts to improve national security.

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, also assured Nigerians abroad that the commission remained committed to protecting their welfare and creating opportunities for them to contribute to national development.

The interaction was held as part of the activities surrounding the African Union summit in Luanda, where Nigeria was represented by a delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The Federal Government's latest assurance comes amid continued concerns over insecurity in different parts of Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.

Musa's comments indicate that the government intends to continue strengthening security agencies while improving border control and inter-agency cooperation to address both domestic and cross-border threats.

The minister urged Nigerians in the diaspora to maintain confidence in the government's efforts, stressing that the administration remains focused on creating a more secure and stable country.