**Peace in Nigeria: Military Wins Not Enough** Nigeria's Defence Minister, Major General Bashir Sulaiman Magashi, has stressed that military victories alone are not enough to achieve lasting peace in the country. In a recent statement, he emphasized the need for a more strategic approach to tackling security challenges. The minister drew an analogy with medical practice to illustrate his point. He likened security operations to treating a disease, where focusing solely on the symptoms (in this case, the physical manifestations of insecurity) would not cure the underlying problem. Instead, the root cause of the illness must be addressed. This message has resonance in Nigeria, where recent years have seen a surge in terrorist attacks and banditry, especially in the North. The military has been deployed to various parts of the country to combat these threats, but the minister's emphasis on addressing the underlying causes of insecurity is a welcome shift in approach. For many Nigerians, the idea of a purely military solution to security challenges may seem appealing, especially when news of military victories is reported. However, the minister's words caution against this simplistic thinking. He suggests that security is not just a matter of defeating insurgents or bandits, but also of addressing the social, economic, and political issues that contribute to their rise. In Nigeria, this means addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare, which can create an environment conducive to the emergence of extremist groups. It also means tackling corruption and improving governance, so that the benefits of oil wealth and other resources can be shared more equitably. The minister's emphasis on a more holistic approach to security is a necessary one. While military victories are important, they are not a substitute for addressing the deeper structural issues that contribute to insecurity. By adopting a more nuanced approach, Nigeria may finally be able to achieve the enduring peace that has long eluded the country. In conclusion, Nigeria's Defence Minister is right to caution against relying solely on military victories to deliver peace. By addressing the root causes of insecurity, the country may finally be able to build a more enduring and stable future.