The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, says Nigeria’s contemporary security challenges require a shift beyond kinetic operations to intelligence-led and technology-driven strategies.

Musa said this in his remarks at the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) Conference on National Security and Awards Ceremony on Monday in Abuja.

The conference has as its theme “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security”.

Musa represented at the event by his Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Relations, retired Air Commodore Steven Ogunmodede, said the theme addressed an operational reality that the Armed Forces and other security agencies must continually confront.

He commended DECAN for selecting a theme that speaks directly to the changing character of contemporary security challenges.

”For a long time, public understanding of security operations has been shaped largely by visible military action; troops deployed, engagements conducted, territory recovered and arrests made.

“These remain important measures of operational activity, but they do not tell the whole story,” he said.

The minister noted that present threats were increasingly complex, adaptive and interconnected, as terrorist groups, criminal networks and other adversaries exploited information, technology, financial systems and gaps in coordination.

He said the response must combine effective combat operations with timely intelligence, technological capability, sound planning and cooperation among relevant security institutions.

According to him, this is the essence of intelligence-led operations. The ability to identify a threat early, understand its networks, anticipate its intentions and act with precision can make the difference between preventing an attack and responding after lives have been lost.

“Technology can strengthen our surveillance, reconnaissance, communications and analytical capabilities, but it must be supported by trained personnel, reliable systems, effective doctrine and sound operational judgement.

“Technology is a force multiplier; it does not replace the human judgement, discipline and professional competence upon which military effectiveness ultimately depends.”

Musa emphasised that the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces of Nigeria recognised the importance of these capabilities and continued to pursue approaches that improved situational awareness, intelligence coordination and operational effectiveness.

He also said they must be willing to learn, adapt and innovate, while ensuring that investments in technology translated into practical improvements in the ability to protect lives, defend territorial integrity and respond to emerging threats.

The minister added that it was also important to strengthen cooperation across the security architecture, because no single institution possessed all the information or capabilities required to address current security challenges.

On the role of defence correspondents, Musa said the relationship between national security institutions and the media was sometimes characterised by competing demands, that is the public’s legitimate right to information and the operational requirements of security agencies.

“I do not believe these interests should be treated as inherently incompatible. Responsible journalism strengthens public understanding, promotes accountability and helps sustain confidence in our institutions.

“An appreciation of operational realities helps ensure that reporting does not inadvertently undermine ongoing efforts to protect lives,” he said.

The minister explained that intelligence-led operations were not always visible.

According to him, an operation that prevents an attack may produce no dramatic images, and a successful intelligence effort may never become public knowledge because the information must remain protected.

He noted that the absence of a visible engagement should not automatically be interpreted as absence of action.

”Security institutions must recognise that public confidence is strengthened when information is communicated accurately, promptly and responsibly,” he said.

The minister urged defence correspondents to continue exercising professionalism and sound judgement, noting that scrutiny of the armed forces was legitimate and necessary, as accurate reporting could help improve institutional performance.

He however, cautioned against unverified reports, sensitive operational details and information whose premature disclosure could expose personnel, compromise operations or endanger civilians.

“My expectation is not that the media should abandon legitimate scrutiny, but that the pursuit of information should be balanced with an appreciation of the consequences that reporting can sometimes carry in a security environment,” he said.

Musa was invested as Grand Patron of DECAN at the event.