The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has said expanding access to quality education remains one of the most effective strategies for defeating terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria.
Describing Nigeria’s security challenges as an “asymmetric war,” the minister said terrorist groups and violent extremists often rely on radicalisation and misinformation, making education a critical tool in countering their influence.
A statement released on Monday by the Minister’s Media Aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said Musa stated this on Sunday during the inauguration of the Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Sunday, Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The school was constructed by the Department of State Services in partnership with private organisations.
“As Minister of Defence, I view this school as a critical military asset without a single rifle. True and lasting security is anchored on the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness. This school is a weapon of mass instruction in the right hands.”
According to him, the commissioning of the school was more than a ceremonial event, describing it as a demonstration of community resilience, inter-agency collaboration and the human-centred approach to national security.
The minister commended the DSS for investing in education and community development, saying the agency had demonstrated that security extends beyond intelligence gathering and law enforcement.
“We see the DSS in a different light – as builders of the future. By constructing this academy, the Service has shown that internal security is not just about surveillance and arrest. It is about winning the confidence of the people. A secure mind – one that is educated and enlightened – is the best defence against the merchants of chaos,” he was quoted as saying.
The minister urged residents of Ungwan Sunday and the wider Kaduna community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its sustainability.
