President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized that his administration remains committed to eradicating banditry, terrorism, and other security challenges plaguing the nation.
He highlighted that the country is at a pivotal juncture, with security forces’ strategies starting to yield positive outcomes.
These remarks were made during the opening ceremony of the North West Peace and Security Summit themed “Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods in North West Nigeria.”
The summit was organized by the North West Governor’s Forum in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Katsina State.
Representing Tinubu at the event, Vice-President Kashim Shettima underscored the administration’s determination to address these pressing security issues effectively.
He said, “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 say that the strategies we have employed have begun to provide redemption. We are not slowing down until we achieve our aim.”
Shettima noted that Northern Nigeria globally known as one unified people, adding that the region’s unity is firmly “rooted in a culture and bond of shared interests and common pursuits”.
Describing the summit as a communal gathering to address what he termed the afflictions that have threatened the stability and unity of the North, he said, “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.”
He went further to say that the summit became necessary to proffer solutions to insecurity and ensure a region “where every trade is safe, where every group is at peace, and where the policing and military presence of the state is optimal.”
President Tinubu emphasized that his administration has implemented both kinetic and non-kinetic interventions to tackle security challenges in the North West region effectively.
He highlighted the Pulaku resettlement initiative as one of the non-kinetic approaches aimed at addressing underlying causes of disputes and insecurity in the region.
He added, “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.”