Education is a ‘weapon against extremism’ — Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to tackling terrorism and violent extremism through expanded access to quality education in underserved communities.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, General Musa made this known during the commissioning 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 (DSS) in collaboration with private partners.

Describing Nigeria’s security situation as an “asymmetric war,” the Minister said extremist groups rely heavily on radicalisation and misinformation, stressing that education remains the most effective long-term response.

“As Minister of Defence, I view this school as a critical military asset without a single rifle,” General Musa said. “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.”

He said the commissioning underscored the importance of community resilience and inter-agency collaboration in addressing security challenges, adding that security goes beyond military operations.

The Kaduna Christian Academy was built by the DSS in partnership with Nest Global Resources, Dan Oil Exploration Limited, and Tantina Security Services. It follows a similar intervention by the DSS in Danbushiya, Chikun LGA, where a school was constructed for the Muslim community.

“We see the DSS in a different light — as builders of the future,” the Minister said. “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.”