Nigeria’s former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has said addressing insecurity in Northern Nigeria requires strengthening security forces, promoting intelligence sharing, and fostering community engagement.
Abdulsalami stated this during a two-day roundtable discussion organised by the Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) in Abuja on Tuesday, January 23.
“We find ourselves at a critical juncture, and it is imperative that we engage in open and constructive dialogue to devise comprehensive approaches to tackle the multifaceted nature of these challenges,” he said.
Abdulsalami said investment in education and economic development was key to addressing the security challenges faced by the region.
“Also, synergy among the security agencies, state and federal authorities is key to effectively combating terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry”, he added.
Earlier, the CNG’s chairman, Bashir Ibrahim, said the roundtable discussion was organised to proffer “innovative solutions to fight insecurity”.
“We are committed to building a sustainable framework for regional cooperation in the Northwest and the entire country.
“The regional approach requires targeted coordination towards socio-economic development to reduce poverty and associated insecurity.To this end, the Northwest governors approached the African Development Bank to solicit investments in agriculture and power”
Ibrahim added that the coalition has embarked on an inaugural Northwest Peace and Security Summit with support from the United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP).
“The era of empty promises must come to an end, and actions will be the measure of success, said CNG’s National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shetima, represented by his Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Yusuf Adejia, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu was committed to finding lasting solutions to the country’s security challenges.
“No region will be left unattended to, as evident in all the critical projects being carried out in all the geo-political zones of the country,” he said.
Also, the Spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, emphasised the significance of bringing together critical stakeholders to address the security challenges that have plagued the region.
“The roundtable discussion provided an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and propose practical solutions to address the security concerns that have plagued the region for far too long,” Suleiman said.
