President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating banditry, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking on Monday at the North West Peace and Security Summit held at the Government House in Katsina State, President Tinubu emphasized the progress being made by security forces and the necessity of a balanced approach to resolving the nation’s security challenges.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu declared, “What we are witnessing across the North is an explosion of these damaged relationships, and we have come to say: enough is enough.
“Our first decision was to task our brothers from the North-West and the North-East with the defence and security of the region.
“This has been a turning point, and I am proud to share that the strategies we have employed have begun to provide redemption. We are not slowing down until we achieve our aim.”
The President’s address, titled “Securing Stability: Uniting for Peace in North-West Nigeria,” reiterated the importance of regional cooperation and the need to address historical injustices that have destabilized communities.
He emphasized the necessity of both kinetic and non-kinetic interventions, including the Pulaku resettlement initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of disputes and insecurity.
While speaking, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, who chaired the North West Governors’ Forum, highlighted the crippling effects of banditry on social and economic activities in the region.
He advocated for a multifaceted approach, including robust intelligence gathering, community policing, and the deployment of advanced security technologies.
Governor Radda also announced a N10 billion grant to support local industries and create job opportunities for unemployed youths.
On his part, the Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru expressed the Armed Forces’ commitment to ending armed conflicts in Nigeria and called for increased synergy between security agencies and state governments.
He assured that the federal government would meet with governors to discuss the outcomes of the summit.
Traditional institutions, represented by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, pledged their support in combating insecurity, calling for community cooperation with government and security agencies.
International support was echoed by Germany’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, who congratulated the federal and state governments for organizing the summit and assured Germany’s continued support in the fight against insecurity.
UNDP Nigeria Country Representative Elsie Attafuah stressed the importance of investing in youth and regional cooperation to harness their potential for positive development.
The summit was also attended by former President Muhammadu Buhari, governors from Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, as well as federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
