Hunger, Poverty Are No Longer Mere Social Challenges, They Have Become Threats to Nigeria’s National Security – Defence Chief Warns

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has raised alarm over the escalating levels of hunger and poverty in Nigeria, warning that these issues have transcended social challenges and now pose significant threats to the nation’s security.

Hunger and poverty are no longer just social problems; they have become critical national security concerns

Speaking at a high-level security conference in Abuja, General Musa emphasized that the growing economic hardship is fueling unrest, criminality, and instability across the country.

“Hunger and poverty are no longer just social problems; they have become critical national security concerns,” General Musa declared.

“When citizens are hungry and desperate, they become vulnerable to manipulation by criminal elements, insurgents, and other non-state actors. This is a ticking time bomb we cannot afford to ignore.”

The Defence Chief highlighted the nexus between economic deprivation and the rising wave of insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.

He noted that unemployed youths, driven by desperation, are increasingly recruited into criminal networks, exacerbating violence in regions already grappling with terrorism and insurgency.

We cannot fight insecurity with guns alone. We must address the root causes—poverty, unemployment, and hunger

General Musa called for urgent, multi-dimensional interventions, urging the government to prioritize economic empowerment, job creation, and food security alongside traditional security measures. “We cannot fight insecurity with guns alone. We must address the root causes—poverty, unemployment, and hunger,” he said.

He also commended ongoing efforts by the federal government to tackle food insecurity, such as agricultural support programs, but stressed the need for more aggressive implementation and coordination. “Every Nigerian deserves access to basic necessities. If we fail to act swiftly, the consequences will be dire,” he warned.

The conference, attended by top military officials, policymakers, and civil society leaders, underscored the need for a holistic approach to Nigeria’s challenges, combining security strategies with socio-economic reforms to ensure lasting stability.