Vice President Kashim Shettima says ending insecurity in the nation remains the cardinal agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.
Shettima spoke at the opening of a two-day roundtable on insecurity in northern Nigeria, with the theme: “Multi-dimensional Approach to Tackling Insecurity in Northern Nigeria” organised by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in Abuja.
Shettima, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hassan, assured Nigerians that the federal government was not relenting in tackling insecurity in the nation and called for collaborative efforts in taming the menace.
“I believe the informed gathering here is a way of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to the nation in his inaugural speech that ending insecurity is the cardinal agenda of the government.
“As such we have not downplayed the foundational role of security in governance matters. This is the rationale that led to the largest budgetary allocation to the security sector. I want to call on all relevant partners and stakeholders to join in this work,” he said.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged Nigerians not to loose hope and that the battle over insecurity can be won but that the nation must embrace the implementation of its plans and policies.
“So much have been said about insecurity in the north and Nigeria as a whole but we must not loose hope. This is not a place to talk to much because as we are talking these bandits are also listening but they should know that we are more concerned about the people under our leadership than them.
“We must find peace for the north. We have been fighting for peace but now we must find the way forward, and focus on the solutions we can bring to these issues.
“What we lack now is implementation and as I told the committee of the CNG that came to visit me in Sokoto we must find a working implementation plan and this should not be another talk show,” he said.
On his part, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), former military Head of State, advocated the adoption of multifaceted approach such as strengthening security forces, intelligence sharing, and community engagement to tackle the insecurity challenges plaguing the Northern Nigeria.
He also called for synergy among the security agencies, adding that collaboration between States and Federal authorities is a key to effectively combating terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.
He said: “It is disheartening to note that local conflicts, kidnapping and banditry are threatening security challenges that have had devastating effects in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
“The current trend of insecurity within the borders of our nation is worrisome and quite disturbing in deed, it is an issue of serious concern to the citizenry of this nation, the government and other relevant stakeholders.”
The Coalition’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, said the absence of public involvement and interagency cooperation has continued to fuel insecurity in Nigeria.
Charanchi said: “For the past two decades, Northern Nigeria has been plagued by various security challenges. The escalating threats posed by insurgent groups, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities have had a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of our people.
“We are convinced that the absence of public involvement and enhanced interagency coordination have worsened a situation that requires a unified and comprehensive response, one that goes beyond a purely military approach and addresses the root causes of insecurity.
