Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, has said terrorism, banditry and insurgency continue to thrive because criminal groups receive support from some members of the public.

Speaking at the 2026 edition of The Platform Nigeria, Musa said terrorists depend on local collaborators for food, information, logistics and funding, making it difficult for security agencies to completely defeat them.

He stressed that the fight against insecurity cannot be won by the military alone, urging citizens to assist security agencies by exposing individuals who aid criminal groups. According to him, terrorists survive within communities because they receive support from people who provide resources and intelligence.

The minister noted that modern security threats are more challenging because enemies often operate from within the same communities they target. He warned that some individuals benefiting from protection may secretly be working against the country’s security interests.

Musa called on Nigerians to remain united, saying criminal groups often exploit divisions within society to advance their activities. He added that stronger cooperation between citizens and security agencies would improve efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

Also speaking at the event, former Senate President Bukola Saraki said an independent legislature is essential for democracy and accountability. He argued that the National Assembly must properly scrutinise executive proposals rather than simply approve them, stressing that legislative independence strengthens the legitimacy of government.