In a renewed push to bolster national security, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has thrown his weight behind the call for greater citizens’ involvement as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s security strategy. Speaking during a security engagement, Gen. Musa emphasized that community policing is now more vital than ever in reinforcing the country’s security architecture.
Aligning with an earlier call by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) for active public participation, the CDS underscored the importance of citizen engagement as the “first line of defence.”
“This is the best time to implement this initiative and strengthen the fabric of our national security framework,” Gen. Musa said. “Educated members of the society should take the lead by engaging with their communities and bringing their concerns and suggestions forward. We are ready to work together.”
The CDS cited an example in Maiduguri, Borno State, where a community-driven initiative yielded positive results. “We did something similar in Maiduguri. The community identified some youths, and after police and military vetting confirmed they had no criminal records, they were trained and integrated into our security efforts.”
General Musa reiterated that collaboration between the government and local communities is key to overcoming Nigeria’s security challenges. “We want the states to know that we are working together. National security is a collective responsibility,” he added.
Security experts have praised the move as a practical step toward grassroots involvement in maintaining peace and curbing crime across Nigeria.
