By Abdulrahman Aliagan,
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism through expanded access to quality education, particularly in underserved communities across the country.
The Minister made the declaration on Sunday during the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Sunday, Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The educational facility was constructed by the Department of State Services (DSS) as part of efforts to promote community development and strengthen national security through education.
Speaking at the event, General Musa described Nigeria’s security challenges as an “asymmetric war” in which terrorists and extremists exploit ignorance, misinformation, and radicalisation to recruit followers. He stressed that education remains one of the most effective weapons for countering such threats.
“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.”
The Defence Minister noted that the commissioning of the academy symbolised more than the opening of a school, describing it as a demonstration of community resilience, inter-agency cooperation, and a people-centred approach to national security.
The Kaduna Christian Academy was built through a partnership involving the DSS, Nest Global Resources, Dan Oil Exploration Limited, and Tantina Security Services. The project follows an earlier intervention by the DSS in Danbushiya, also in Chikun Local Government Area, where a school was constructed for the Muslim community as part of efforts to foster inclusive development and religious harmony.
Commending the DSS for the initiative, General Musa said the agency had demonstrated that security institutions can contribute significantly to nation-building beyond their traditional responsibilities.
“We see the DSS in a different light – as builders of the future,” he 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 students, parents, and community members, the Minister described the school as a “sanctuary of hope” where children would not only acquire academic knowledge but also learn values such as tolerance, citizenship, and critical thinking.
He assured parents that the project reflected government’s commitment to their future and called on the people of the community to take ownership of the institution and protect it from any threat.
Although established primarily to serve the Christian community, General Musa said the academy stands as a symbol of inter-faith harmony and peaceful coexistence, reflecting the spirit behind the earlier school project for the Muslim community.
He further urged school administrators and teachers to uphold high standards of discipline and professionalism, while encouraging local youths to work closely with security agencies in safeguarding the facility.
Representing the Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, the Commissioner for Justice, Barrister James Kanyip, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with security agencies and private organisations to advance education and community development.
The event attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and members of the host community, who praised the project as a significant contribution to peacebuilding and human capital development in Kaduna State.
