Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has sounded the alarm that hunger and poverty have escalated beyond social issues, now posing serious threats to the country's national security.
He emphasized this point during the 14th National Security Seminar held in Abuja, on Monday. He highlighted that insecurity is no longer solely defined by armed conflict but also by widespread economic hardship, food insecurity, and social dislocation.
Gen. Musa stressed that hunger and poverty are no longer mere social challenges but have become full-blown national security threats, requiring a unified national approach to tackle these issues.
The disruption of farming communities and illegal occupation of farmlands have led to food inflation, displacement, and mass migration, ultimately destabilizing the economy and national cohesion.
Musa urged communities to deny terrorists and criminals sanctuary by supporting intelligence gathering, timely reporting, and community vigilance. He also emphasized the need for urgent investment in grassroots agricultural development.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, echoed similar concerns, highlighting that hunger and poverty are catalysts for insecurity, crime, violence, and social disintegration. He called for coordinated, inclusive, and forward-thinking responses to address these challenges.
The seminar, themed "Combating Hunger and Poverty for Sustainable Peace and Development in Nigeria," was organized by the Alumni Association of the National Defence College in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Experts and stakeholders emphasized the need for sustained investment in education, economic empowerment, and social inclusion as critical non-kinetic responses to Nigeria's deepening insecurity.
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