The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has called for wider exposure of Nigerians to military training, arguing that experiencing the physical demands of military life could deepen public understanding of what it takes to defend the country.

Musa said military training goes beyond combat preparation, exposing participants to hunger, exhaustion, sleep deprivation, prolonged physical exertion and the discipline required to continue despite difficult conditions.

Speaking on the African Leadership Podcast hosted by Ken Giami, the minister said such experience would give Nigerians “a different perspective about life” and help them appreciate the demands placed on personnel deployed on security operations.

He said soldiers routinely operate under conditions that require them to remain effective despite fatigue, harsh weather and long periods away from their families, adding that such sacrifices are often poorly understood by members of the public.

Musa particularly appealed for greater appreciation of military personnel, stressing that soldiers are also fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters who leave their families behind while serving in difficult and sometimes dangerous environments.

He said public criticism of the military should be balanced with an understanding of the risks personnel assume in protecting communities, noting that national security ultimately requires cooperation between security forces and the citizens they protect. (Punch Newspapers⁠)

The minister also stressed the importance of teamwork, saying military training teaches individuals that national security cannot be achieved through isolated efforts.

Musa further disclosed that Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign requires both military and non-military measures, putting the kinetic component at about 25 to 30 per cent and the non-kinetic component at about 70 per cent.

He identified food security, good roads, healthcare, education and improved conditions in communities as part of the wider measures required to address insecurity, while also urging Nigerians to provide useful information to security agencies.

The minister’s comments came during a wider discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges, including the need to strengthen domestic production of military equipment and reduce dependence on imported defence matériel, which he said can slow military operations because of lengthy procurement timelines.

The proposal therefore places military training within a broader conversation about civic responsibility, public understanding of security operations and the relationship between citizens and the Armed Forces.