Abuja, 23 February 2026 — The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has restated the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen border security, enhance veterans’ welfare, and revise key defence policy frameworks to bolster Nigeria’s national security architecture. He made the remarks on Monday while hosting members of the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) on a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s security landscape is dynamic and complex, requiring continuous review of existing policies, including the National Defence Policy (2017) and its Implementation Guidelines (2019). “Life is dynamic and our security challenges are fluid. It is important that our Armed Forces and institutional frameworks adapt accordingly,” he said. He added that the Ministry would work with relevant authorities, including the Permanent Secretary and strategic partners, to initiate structured engagements for updating critical defence policies and related documents.
On border security, Musa described it as a core pillar of national security, stressing the need to strengthen surveillance and control mechanisms. “It is important that we know who is coming in, who is going out, and what is coming into our country,” he said, noting that improved border control would significantly curb transnational crimes and insecurity.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of prioritising veterans’ welfare, emphasising that those who have served the nation deserve adequate post-service support, including healthcare and welfare benefits. He assured stakeholders that the Ministry is reviewing frameworks to strengthen veterans’ welfare systems and explore best practices to ensure dignity and improved living standards for retired personnel.
Earlier, AANDEC President, Rear Admiral Ndidi Patrick Agholor (rtd), thanked the Minister for the warm reception and noted that AANDEC has the capacity and professional expertise to collaborate with the Ministry on implementing the National Defence Policy. He assured that the Association remains committed to supporting the Ministry through research, advisory services, and strategic engagements. He appealed for support to enhance AANDEC’s operational capacity, including mobility, office equipment, conference facilities, and assistance with the upcoming National Security Summit and development of its permanent facility. He pledged AANDEC’s dedication to partnering with the Ministry in advancing national security objectives.
Present at the event were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, and Directors. The statement was issued by Enderline Chukwu, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, for the Director of Information and Public Relations.
