Defence minister Christopher Musa has called on Nigerian students to play active roles in strengthening national security, saying safeguarding the country is a collective responsibility.

Mr Musa made the call while addressing students from the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy of Veritas University, Abuja, during an educational visit to the ministry.

This was disclosed in a statement signed on Tuesday.

He urged students, as future leaders, to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that national unity and security could not be achieved by the government alone.

“Students have a role to play in fighting insecurity. See something and report it. The nation’s unity is not for government alone; everyone has a role to play in ensuring peace and security,” he said.

The minister also spoke on technological gaps, food security, and Nigeria’s cooperation with Turkey, noting that the ministry was strengthening collaboration with relevant agencies to address key national challenges.

He said efforts were ongoing to boost local defence production by integrating skilled Nigerians into the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria to produce military equipment, including drones.

Mr Musa added that local production remained critical to addressing equipment shortages and reducing dependence on foreign procurement.

He also advised students to avoid cybercrime and channel their creativity towards national development, adding that military training should be made more accessible as it builds discipline and resilience.

(NAN)