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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has said the fight against banditry and terrorism remains difficult because criminal elements operate within local communities, making it harder for security forces to isolate and eliminate them.

Speaking on Thursday at an Arise Television Town Hall on State Police, Musa explained that the success of military operations largely depends on the level of support from residents, stressing that cooperation between citizens and security agencies is critical to winning the war.

According to him, when communities align with insurgents, it complicates intelligence gathering and military response, but when they support the armed forces, operations become more effective and decisive.

He noted that Nigeria’s democratic setting requires trust and collaboration between leaders and citizens, raising concerns about whether people feel adequately represented and protected by government actions.

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The Defence Minister emphasised the need for stronger engagement with communities to build confidence and encourage active participation in security efforts.

Musa said sustained dialogue, awareness, and cooperation among the military, government, and citizens would significantly improve outcomes in the fight against insecurity.

He added that addressing the disconnect between authorities and the public remains essential, as security is a shared responsibility that requires commitment from all stakeholders.

The minister maintained that bridging this gap would enhance intelligence sharing, weaken support for criminal groups, and ultimately help restore peace across affected regions.