The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges in collaboration with sub-national units.

As part of this initiative, National Security Summits are being held in three geo-political zones—Southwest, Northcentral, and Northwest—to gather ideas on refocusing the fight against terrorism and banditry. Similar regional summits have taken place across the Southeast, Southsouth, and Northeast, bringing together leaders, experts, traditional rulers, and security agencies.

Calls for Decentralised, Community-Driven Security

At the Southsouth summit in Port Harcourt, Governor Siminalayi Fubara advocated for a decentralised security system, enhanced collaboration, and shared intelligence. He emphasized that security is a shared responsibility involving government, communities, and individuals.

“Security is not the business of the government alone. It is a shared responsibility of every person,” Fubara said, stressing the need for proactive measures, youth empowerment, and public participation at the community level.

Similarly, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum called for a community-driven, intelligence-led security framework in the Northeast. He highlighted the need for region-specific, multi-layered strategies combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, alongside reconstruction, resettlement of displaced persons, and development interventions.

Intelligence, Technology, and State Police

The Enugu State Speaker, Uche Ugwu, stressed the importance of intelligence gathering, socio-economic stability, and community trust in addressing insecurity. He urged the establishment of state police to create safer local environments and tackle challenges such as farmers-herders clashes and open grazing.

Stakeholders, including lawmakers, traditional rulers, military and paramilitary officials, youth groups, and vigilante operatives, agreed that preventive measures, community involvement, and better coordination between security agencies and citizens are crucial for lasting peace.

Senate’s Role and Commitment

Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, chairing the Southsouth summit, described the initiative as a platform for frank deliberations and assessments to inform legislative action. Recommendations from the summits are expected to guide the Senate’s legislative interventions, budgetary provisions, and policy reforms to strengthen national security.

Senator Austin Akobundu, coordinator of the Southeast summit, highlighted the socioeconomic impact of insecurity, including displacement, school disruptions, abandoned farmlands, and rising poverty. He condemned violent agitations and reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to amend, repeal, and create laws that enhance security, while ensuring welfare for frontline personnel.