The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasized the need for a deeper collaboration between Nigeria’s Ministries of Defence and Interior, saying that addressing the country’s internal security challenges requires seamless cooperation and shared responsibility.

Musa made this call on Friday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, where both ministers pledged to strengthen their inter-ministerial cooperation to address Nigeria’s evolving security threats.

Describing the two ministries as “two sides of the same national security coin,” Musa pointed out that the line between internal and external security has become increasingly blurred due to asymmetric threats like terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and cross-border crimes.

He stressed that these complex challenges can no longer be tackled by a single agency or ministry in isolation. According to Musa, there is a need for intelligence-driven, whole-of-government responses to effectively manage the threats.

“The line between internal and external security is no longer clear. These threats require synergy, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations if we are to succeed,” Musa stated.

The Defence Minister further emphasized the importance of stronger intelligence collaboration, proposing the creation of a joint intelligence fusion framework involving the Defence Intelligence Agency, as well as key interior agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

He also advocated for the use of secure technology platforms for real-time information sharing, regular joint simulations, and clear operational protocols to reduce friction and maximize resources. Musa also assured that the Ministry of Defence would continue to support internal security agencies through capacity-building initiatives such as specialized training in counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, and crisis response, in addition to logistical and technical support.

In response, Dr. Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, agreed with Musa’s views, stating that weak internal security structures have overstretched the military. He added that enhancing the capabilities of internal security agencies would allow the armed forces to focus on their core defense responsibilities.

“Our national security architecture stands on a tripod of intelligence, internal security, and defense. If one leg is weak, the entire structure is threatened,” Tunji-Ojo remarked.

He also warned against rivalry and territorialism between security institutions, emphasizing that the primary concern of Nigerians is safety and performance, not ministerial boundaries.

A key area of focus for collaboration was border security, with Tunji-Ojo noting that no country can ensure the safety of its citizens without securing its borders. He also clarified the role of the NSCDC, highlighting that the corps is not intended to serve as a “police version 2.0” but rather as a specialized agency for protecting critical national assets, including schools, oil and gas facilities, telecommunications, and power infrastructure.

He described attacks on such assets as “economic terrorism”, stressing that safeguarding them requires military-grade training and close cooperation with the armed forces.

Both ministers also emphasized the need for integrated data management. They agreed that the Interior Ministry’s databases should be critical in defence planning and national security decision-making.

To formalize their collaboration, both ministers agreed to establish an inter-ministerial technical committee, which will meet regularly to review progress, address challenges, and ensure that cooperation occurs at both strategic and operational levels.

In closing, Musa and Tunji-Ojo expressed confidence that continued collaboration between their ministries would enhance national security, build public confidence, and deliver a safer Nigeria.

“Working together is the only way Nigeria can win,” they concluded.