Emmanuel Daudu
Nigeria’s battle against terrorism and violent extremism cannot be won by military force alone but through deliberate investment in education and hope for vulnerable communities, the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, declared on Sunday.
The Defence Minister said quality education remains one of the Federal Government’s strongest tools for countering radicalisation and dismantling the cycle of extremism, especially in underserved areas facing persistent security threats.
General Musa made the remarks while commissioning the Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Sunday, Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State a school constructed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Describing Nigeria’s security situation as an “asymmetric war,” the Minister said insurgents and extremist groups thrive on ignorance, misinformation and hopelessness, stressing that classrooms and learning spaces offer a more sustainable path to peace.
“As Minister of Defence, I view this school as a critical military asset without a single rifle,” he 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.”
According to him, the commissioning goes beyond a ceremonial exercise and reflects a broader national strategy anchored on community resilience, inter-agency cooperation and human-centred security interventions.
The Kaduna Christian Academy was delivered by the DSS in collaboration with Nest Global Resources, Dan Oil Exploration Limited and Tantina Security Services.
General Musa noted that the project follows an earlier educational intervention by the DSS in Danbushiya, Chikun
LGA, where a school was built for the Muslim community as part of efforts to promote inclusion and balanced development.
He commended the DSS for expanding its role beyond traditional security operations.
“We see the DSS in a different light as builders of the future,” the Minister said.
“By constructing this academy, the Service has shown that 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.”
Addressing the community, General Musa urged residents of Ungwan Sunday and Kaduna State to take ownership of the facility and safeguard it.
To students, he described the academy as “a sanctuary of hope” where values of citizenship, tolerance and critical thinking would be nurtured alongside academic learning.
To parents, he said the project demonstrates government commitment to long-term social development and not just political cycles.
For Kaduna State, he said the facility supports existing efforts to expand access to inclusive and quality education while strengthening the connection between security operations and grassroots development.
Although established to serve the Christian community, the Minister said the academy should stand as a symbol of inter-faith harmony, reflecting the earlier educational project delivered for the Muslim community.
He further charged the school management and teachers to uphold discipline and professionalism, while urging local youths to see the facility as a shared community asset.
“See this school not as a target, but as your inheritance. Work with the DSS and other security agencies as partners in progress,” he stated.
The commissioning ceremony attracted officials of the Kaduna State Government, members of the clergy and traditional leaders.
Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Justice, Barr. James Kanyip, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining collaboration with security agencies and private partners in advancing development.
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