By Emma Peter, Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security and creating a safer environment for Nigerians at home and abroad, particularly citizens in the diaspora seeking to visit their homeland.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), gave the assurance during an interactive engagement with members of the Nigerian community in Angola, held on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Luanda.
According to a press statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, on August 30, 2026, General Musa said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to neutralise security threats and improve the operational capacity of the nation’s security architecture.
The Minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was implementing targeted interventions across various sectors to address the country’s security challenges, including threats arising from instability in the Sahel region.
“Every sector is receiving targeted interventions to enhance our national security framework,” General Musa stated, according to the statement.
He explained that some of Nigeria’s security challenges were linked to instability in neighbouring Sahel countries, which could spill across the nation’s borders, adding that comprehensive border management measures were being implemented to prevent such incursions.
General Musa also disclosed that the government was working to increase the numerical strength and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies as part of efforts to restore lasting peace and stability across the country.
He further stressed the importance of reliable data in national security planning and national development, noting that the government remained committed to integrating accurate data into its strategies for addressing security and developmental challenges.
The Defence Minister assured Nigerians living abroad that the government’s efforts were aimed at ensuring that citizens could return home and move around the country with greater confidence and security.
The Nigerian delegation to the AU session was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the high-level meeting.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for members of the Nigerian community in Angola to raise concerns directly with senior government officials and receive responses on issues affecting Nigerians in the diaspora.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who was also present, highlighted measures being taken by the government to strengthen data protection and identity management in the country.
Tunji-Ojo said enhanced collaboration among government agencies was already producing measurable results and would further improve the management and protection of citizens’ identities and personal information.
Also speaking, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured Nigerians abroad that the commission remained committed to promoting their welfare, protecting their interests and creating opportunities for their continued contribution to national development.
The Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigerian Mission in Angola, Ambassador Maxy Ogbede, was also present at the engagement.
General Musa commended the Nigerian community in Angola for maintaining a cordial relationship with the Nigerian diplomatic mission and urged continued cooperation as the Federal Government works to strengthen national security and deepen engagement with Nigerians living abroad.
