President Bola Tinubu on Monday pledged that his administration would not rest until banditry, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity are completely eradicated from the country.
Speaking at the North West Peace and Security Summit, President Tinubu highlighted that the strategies adopted by security forces are beginning to yield positive results, marking a turning point for the nation.
The North West Peace and Security Summit, themed “Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods in North West Nigeria,” was organized by the North West Governor’s Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme at the Government House in Katsina State. The event was attended by former President Muhammadu Buhari, several governors from the region, deputy governors, and federal lawmakers.
Representing President Tinubu at the two-day event, Vice President Kashim Shettima stated, “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. Who else can better understand the complexity of the crisis of a region than the people themselves? 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.”
Shettima delivered the President’s address titled “Securing Stability: Uniting for Peace in North-West Nigeria,” emphasizing the region’s unity rooted in shared interests and common pursuits. President Tinubu described the Summit as a communal effort to address “the afflictions that have threatened the stability and unity” of the North.
Tinubu remarked, “Beyond the economic rationale that drove the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria, the formation of our great nation was inspired by the need for mutual protection. But, I ask, how can we achieve this sacred objective if one part is afflicted? We have long established that whatever ails any part of this federation destabilizes the other. So, the issue of national security in the North-West is not a sectional agenda. We promised to make Nigeria safer, and this aim has been our topmost priority since we came to office over a year ago.”
The President acknowledged the necessity of addressing historical injustices and institutional weaknesses to achieve lasting security and peace. He stressed the need to counter the ideological challenges that undermine peace and security in the region.
Tinubu highlighted the Pulaku resettlement initiative as one of the non-kinetic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of disputes and insecurity in the North-West. He stated, “Our choice of Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna States for the pilot phase is strategically planned to create positive, nationwide transformations. The comprehensive plan includes building residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities, fulfilling our pledge to the nation. This effort symbolizes our commitment to sustainable development and a unified, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria, transforming our diversity into strength.”
Katsina State Governor Umaru Radda lamented the impact of banditry on communities in the state and other parts of the North West, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to security, including robust intelligence gathering, community policing, and advanced security technology. He commended President Tinubu’s efforts and announced a N10 billion grant to support local industries and create job opportunities.
Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru assured that the Armed Forces are committed to ending armed conflicts in Nigeria, while the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for community cooperation with the government and security agencies.
Germany’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, and UNDP Country Representative Elsie Attafuah also expressed support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity, emphasizing the importance of traditional conflict resolution and investment in youth.
The summit included notable attendees such as former Governors of Katsina State, the Minister of Arts and Creative Economy, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, traditional rulers, and members of the Diplomatic Corps.
