By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to defeating terrorism and violent extremism by expanding access to quality education in underserved communities.
The Minister made this known on Sunday, 7th June 2026, during the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Sunday, Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area. The school was constructed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Describing Nigeria’s current security challenges as an “asymmetric war,” General Musa said adversaries rely on radicalisation and false narratives, and that the most effective counter is education delivered in a safe environment.
“As Minister of Defence, I view this school as a critical military asset without a single rifle,” he stated. “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.”
He said the commissioning was not just a ceremonial event but a demonstration of community resilience, inter-agency collaboration, and the human dimension of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The Kaduna Christian Academy was built by the DSS in partnership with Nest Global Resources, Dan Oil Exploration Limited, and Tantina Security Services. It follows a similar intervention by the DSS in Danbushiya, Chikun LGA, where a school was constructed for the Muslim community to promote inclusive development.
“We see the DSS in a different light – as builders of the future,” the Minister 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.”
General Musa urged the people of Ungwan Sunday and Kaduna State to take ownership of the academy, outlining its value for three groups:
For students: “This school is a sanctuary of hope. Here you will learn not only Mathematics and English, but also the values of citizenship, tolerance, and critical thinking.”
For parents: “This is a sign that the State has not abandoned you. When your children learn in a classroom built by the security services, it sends a clear message that the government cares about your future beyond the next election cycle.”
For Kaduna State: “This facility complements the state government’s efforts to provide inclusive, quality education and bridges the gap between tactical security operations and community development.”
While named to serve the Christian community, the Minister said the academy stands as a symbol of inter-faith harmony, mirroring the earlier project for the Muslim community. He charged the school management and teachers to uphold discipline and professionalism, and called on local youth to protect the facility.
“See this school not as a target, but as your inheritance. Work with the DSS and other security agencies as partners in progress,” he said.
The event was attended by officials of the Kaduna State Government, members of the clergy, and traditional leaders. Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Justice, Barr. James Kanyip, welcomed the initiative and assured continued collaboration between the state government, security agencies, and private partners to drive development.
