ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has stressed that Nigeria cannot overcome banditry, terrorism and violent extremism through military operations alone, insisting that education remains one of the most effective tools for tackling insecurity and building lasting peace.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy, a faith-based school donated to the Christian community in Kaduna by friends of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, Musa described education as a powerful weapon against ignorance, hopelessness and criminality.
The event attracted government officials, Christian and Muslim leaders, community stakeholders and security representatives, all of whom highlighted the importance of education, community engagement and interfaith cooperation in addressing the root causes of insecurity.
“At a time when security agencies are battling banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes, it is important to understand that lasting peace requires more than military action,” the minister said.
“When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on boots on the ground, air power or intelligence gathering. However, true and lasting security is anchored on one critical element: the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness. This school is a weapon of mass instruction in the right hands.”
Musa warned that terrorists and bandits often rely on local collaborators for intelligence, logistics and operational support, stressing that security agencies cannot succeed without active cooperation from citizens.
“If we keep quiet, they will continue to destroy us. But if we speak out, they will not have any space to survive,” he said, urging Nigerians to provide timely and credible information to security agencies on, noting that security institutions must complement military operations with initiatives that create opportunities for young people and strengthen communities.
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According to him, the DSS has demonstrated that internal security goes beyond surveillance and arrests, extending to earning public trust and helping to build a more secure future.
Musa maintained that an educated and enlightened population offers a stronger defence against extremism, criminality and social instability than force alone.
He explained that schools play a critical role in equipping children with knowledge, critical thinking skills and moral values needed to contribute positively to society.
The minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts aimed at improving education across the country, expressing confidence that enhanced educational opportunities would help create a more informed, productive and resilient population.
He further praised Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for promoting inclusion, development and peaceful coexistence, which he said have contributed significantly to improved security and governance in the state.
Musa equally applauded the resilience and peaceful disposition of the people of Southern Kaduna, urging them to resist efforts by divisive elements seeking to undermine unity and harmony in the region.
The Kaduna Christian Academy is the second educational institution donated by friends of the DSS Director-General within two years. In May 2025, the same group built and handed over an Islamic school to the Muslim community in Danbushiya, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speakers at the event said both projects reflected a commitment to using education as a bridge for promoting understanding, reducing social divisions and strengthening interfaith harmony.
Representing the Kaduna State Government, Kanyip reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education, describing it as a cornerstone of development and prosperity.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal, human capital and social development. Every classroom built creates opportunity for learning. Every child educated strengthens our communities. And every investment in education contributes to a more prosperous future for our state and the nation,” he said.
He added that the commissioning symbolised far more than the opening of another school.
“Today, we are not merely opening a new building. We are celebrating hope, opportunity and transformation,” he stated.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, said the project was facilitated by the DSS Director-General because of his conviction that education remains one of the most effective responses to insecurity, poverty and other social challenges.
“Today is more than the opening of a school building. Today is the opening of doors to opportunity, doors to knowledge, doors to growth and a brighter future for our children,” Hayab said.
He noted that many communities continue to face challenges in accessing quality education due to inadequate infrastructure, limited learning resources and economic hardship.
“Today we stand together to declare that every child, regardless of background, deserves access to quality education, moral guidance and the opportunity to dream big,” he added.
Hayab explained that the academy was established not only to pursue academic excellence but also to nurture discipline, character, faith, leadership and compassion among students.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Muslim community, Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna, Prof. Suleiman Adam, commended the DSS Director-General for extending to Christians the same educational support previously provided to Muslims, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to religious harmony and national unity.
Speaking on behalf of the donors, Malam Musa Suleiman reiterated that education remains one of the most effective tools for addressing the underlying causes of insecurity and fostering sustainable peace across the country.