The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, says inadequate national data infrastructure remains a major challenge to efforts aimed at tracking criminals and tackling insecurity across the country.

Mr Musa said this at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 in Abuja on Saturday.

The conference has the theme “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture”.

The defence minister said that the absence of a comprehensive and integrated national database had continued to hamper intelligence gathering, crime detection, and effective security operations.

According to him, modern security threats have become increasingly organised, adaptive, and technology-driven, requiring accurate data and intelligence to counter them effectively.

“We are struggling because we do not have a proper database.

“Without accurate information and timely intelligence, it becomes difficult to identify, track, and apprehend criminal elements operating within our communities.”

Mr Musa noted that many criminal networks exploited gaps in identity management and information sharing to evade security agencies.

He stressed the need for a secured national platform that would enable information sharing among security agencies, relevant private sector actors, and local communities.

He also said that effective security could no longer be left to government institutions alone, adding that citizens, communities, and the private sector had critical roles to play.

He noted that criminals and terrorists often survived because they receive information, logistics, shelter, and financial support from collaborators within communities.

“Security agencies are not magicians. Without timely information and public support, it becomes extremely difficult to prevent criminal activities.

“Nigeria’s security future cannot be secured through isolated efforts. It requires collaboration between government, industry, and communities,” he said.

The minister identified terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, organised crime, oil theft, illegal mining, cyber threats, and attacks on critical infrastructure as some of the major threats confronting the country.

He said the federal government had continued to strengthen the nation’s security architecture through investments in the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

He, however, emphasised that military action alone could not resolve all security challenges, stressing the need for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

Mr Musa also advocated greater deployment of technology, including artificial intelligence, drones, biometric systems, satellite imagery, cybersecurity tools, and predictive analytics in security operations.

He urged stakeholders to support local defence production, innovation, and technology development to reduce dependence on foreign security solutions.

He further called for stronger public-private partnerships, community engagement, and improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms to enhance national security.

According to him, investment in security is ultimately an investment in economic growth, national stability, and sustainable development. 

(NAN)