NESO Seeks Stronger Partnership With Defence Ministry, Commends Tinubu, Musa on Security Vision
By Philibus Dauda Ladan
The Neighbourhood Enlightenment and Safety Organization (NESO) has called for stronger strategic partnerships to enhance Nigeria’s national security architecture, as it paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (CON), on Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
Speaking during the visit, the Corps Commandant General of NESO, Dr. Sani Aliyu, described partnerships as the cornerstone of any successful modern security strategy, stressing that Nigeria’s current security challenges require inclusive and intelligence-driven collaboration.
Dr. Aliyu congratulated General Musa on his appointment as Minister of Defence, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for finding him worthy of the role after what he described as a “sterling military career” as Chief of Defence Staff. He expressed confidence that the Minister’s leadership would yield positive results for the country.
He particularly praised General Musa’s role in the establishment of the African Counterterrorism Brigade, noting that the initiative earned widespread acclaim across Africa and demonstrated a deep understanding of terrorism as a transnational threat funded by international criminal networks.
According to him, NESO and the national defence community have maintained over a decade of cooperation, especially during General Musa’s tenure as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai. He highlighted NESO’s contributions in intelligence sharing and security interventions across states including Sokoto, Kebbi, Borno and Yobe.
“The competence of NESO in gallantry, precision and patriotism in the fight against terrorism, banditry and cross-border crimes speaks for itself,” Dr. Aliyu said, adding that while some officers had received merit awards, others paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
He reaffirmed NESO’s belief in Nigeria’s resilience, describing the country as one endowed with peace-loving citizens whose cooperation presents enormous potential for grassroots intelligence gathering and security awareness. He disclosed that NESO’s operations in this regard have been largely self-funded over the years.
The NESO Commandant General urged the Minister of Defence to leverage the organisation’s nationwide structure and recommend to the President the creation of a specialised counterterrorism agency. He also appealed to General Musa to serve as a pillar of support for NESO in its quest to contribute more effectively to national security.
Dr. Aliyu noted that NESO has a presence in nearly every local government area across the country and maintains a formal working relationship with Third Eye TV, Africa’s pioneering security-focused media platform, to support public awareness and strategic communication.
He expressed NESO’s readiness to serve as an indigenous strategic and operational partner to the African Counterterrorism Brigade and its aspiration to be formally recognised as a counterterrorism agency in Nigeria.
Dr. Aliyu concluded by expressing optimism that the Minister’s tenure would be marked by success, praying for divine guidance for General Musa and peace for the nation.
