President Bola Tinubu has attributed Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity issues, especially in the North-West region, to “inherited security compromises” and historical injustices.
He highlighted these points during a two-day security and peace summit organized by the North-West Governors Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme in Katsina State.
In a speech delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima on his behalf, Tinubu reflected on his administration’s commitment to improving national security. “We promised to make Nigeria safer, and this aim has been our topmost priority since we came to office,” he said.
The President emphasized the interconnectedness of the nation’s security, stating, “The formation of our great nation was inspired by the need for mutual protection. How can we achieve this sacred objective if one part is afflicted?”
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Tinubu outlined the multifaceted approach needed to address the region’s insecurity, which includes tackling historical injustices, strengthening institutional frameworks, and improving economic conditions. He said, “Achieving the peace we seek necessitates addressing the historical injustices that have torn communities apart. We must reverse the institutional frailties governing security and the economic dysfunctions that create vulnerabilities to crime.”
He also pointed to the challenges posed by farmer-herder conflicts exacerbated by climate change and the proliferation of unauthorized arms. “This disintegration from cycles of clashes between herders and farmers has ruptured the ideas of oneness upon which the North revolved,” Tinubu noted.
The President highlighted the government’s military efforts through operations like Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Safe Haven, which target insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and bandits. “Through enhanced border security and intelligence capabilities, we have disrupted and dismantled criminal networks,” he said.
Tinubu underscored the importance of collaboration among security agencies and the integration of both kinetic and non-kinetic interventions to ensure safety. “The kinetic and non-kinetic interventions we have pursued are designed to build the perimeter of our security infrastructure,” he said.
Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Dikko Radda, reiterated the necessity of a collective effort to combat insecurity. “Though the fight against insecurity is primarily a federal responsibility, there is a need for all to join hands and fight the scourge,” he said. Radda called for robust intelligence gathering, community policing, and advanced security technologies to enhance security measures.
The UNDP representative in Nigeria, Elsie Gyekyeua Atafauh, emphasized the summit’s importance in promoting development and peace in the Northern region. “If Nigeria must retain the position of a giant of Africa, we must pay attention to the North-West,” she said.
The summit highlighted the ongoing challenges and reinforced the commitment of both government and international bodies to address the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria.