The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani have identified quality education, active citizenship, and stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies as critical tools for combating banditry, terrorism, and other security challenges confronting Nigeria.
They spoke at the inauguration of the Kaduna Christian Academy, a faith-based school donated to the Christian community in Kaduna by friends of the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi.
The initiative comes months after the same group facilitated the establishment of an Islamic school for the Muslim community in Danbushiya, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the event, the defence minister described the academy as a strategic non-kinetic intervention in the fight against insecurity, stressing that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military action and intelligence operations alone.
According to him, education remains one of the most effective tools for combating ignorance, hopelessness, and extremist ideologies.
“When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on boots on the ground, air power, or intelligence gathering. However, true and lasting security is anchored on one critical element: the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness,” he said.
“This school is a weapon of mass instruction in the right hands.”
The minister commended the DSS for expanding its role beyond traditional security functions to initiatives that promote social stability and community development.
He noted that an educated population is better equipped to resist criminal influences and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Badaru also urged parents to prioritise their children’s education, describing learning as a pathway to opportunity and national progress.
The minister further acknowledged improvements in Kaduna State’s security situation, attributing the gains to increased collaboration among federal, state, and local authorities.
He praised Governor Sani for promoting inclusiveness, development, and peaceful coexistence across the state.
Badaru also called on residents to support security agencies with credible and timely intelligence, noting that criminal groups often rely on local collaborators for logistics and information.
“Security agencies cannot win this fight alone. Citizens must play their part by speaking up and providing useful information that can help prevent attacks and dismantle criminal networks,” he said.
Representing Governor Sani at the event, Kaduna State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, James Kanyip, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education.
He described the commissioning of the academy as a symbol of hope, opportunity, and transformation for future generations.
“Education remains one of the most powerful tools for personal, human capital and social development. Every classroom built creates opportunity for learning, while every child educated strengthens our communities,” Kanyip said.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph Hayab, said the school was established in recognition of the vital role education plays in addressing insecurity, poverty, and other social challenges.
“Today is more than the opening of a school building. It is the opening of doors to opportunity, knowledge, growth, and a brighter future for our children,” he said.
Hayab added that the Kaduna Christian Academy would focus not only on academic excellence but also on building character, leadership, discipline, faith, and compassion among students.
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Mosque, Sheikh Suleiman Adam, commended the DSS Director-General for supporting both Christian and Muslim communities through educational initiatives.
He described the gesture as a significant contribution to interfaith harmony, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
