Incoming Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday explained why the Southwest remains one of the safest zones in the country, attributing the region’s relative peace to sustained unity and cooperation among its governors.
Speaking during his ministerial screening at the Senate in Abuja, Musa said security successes in the Southwest are not accidental but the result of deliberate collaboration. He noted that governors in the zone have consistently aligned on regional security strategies, making it difficult for criminal elements to penetrate.
According to him, many of the security challenges in the North stem from porous borders exploited by terrorists and bandits. He warned that criminal groups often flee into neighbouring countries such as Niger Republic after carrying out attacks in states like Sokoto and Kebbi, making it difficult for security forces to pursue them.
Musa also raised concerns about recent incursions into Kwara State and early attempts by bandits to push further into the Southwest, stressing the need to prevent such expansion. He called for stronger regional cooperation across all geopolitical zones and better coordination between federal ministries, departments, and security agencies.
The minister-designate further emphasised the importance of building community resilience, saying many abductions and local crimes can be prevented when communities are empowered and security agencies work in harmony.