MINISTER OF DEFENCE LEADS SOUTH-EAST SECURITY DRIVE, UNVEILS COLLABORATIVE STRATEGY AT UMUAHIA SUMMIT

MINISTER OF DEFENCE LEADS SOUTH-EAST SECURITY DRIVE, UNVEILS COLLABORATIVE STRATEGY AT UMUAHIA SUMMIT

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), OFR, has declared that the Federal Government is adopting a collaborative, community-driven security strategy to restore lasting peace and stability in the South-East, urging all stakeholders to take collective responsibility for tackling insecurity across the region.

The minister made the declaration while inaugurating the maiden South-East Regional Security Summit held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.

The summit was organised by the Federal Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), led by Barr. Chioma Nweze, under the theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability.”

The summit brought together governors and representatives from the five South-East states, federal lawmakers, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and community stakeholders to chart a common course for addressing the region’s security challenges.

General Musa described the summit as the beginning of a new chapter in the Federal Government’s efforts to restore peace in the South-East, explaining that the initiative was designed to enable government listen directly to the concerns of the people and develop practical, community-based solutions to insecurity.

According to him, security cannot be left to security agencies alone but requires the active participation of governments at all levels, traditional institutions, religious leaders, the media, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, as well as every citizen.

He stressed that trust, dialogue and cooperation remain the foundation for achieving sustainable peace.

Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdullahi Musa Yar’Adua, described insecurity as one of the greatest impediments to economic growth and national unity. He said lasting peace could only be achieved through a whole-of-society approach involving government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious organisations, the private sector and local communities.

He assured participants of the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through improved legislation, enhanced intelligence sharing, technological innovation, cybersecurity and stronger inter-agency collaboration.

In his remarks, the host Governor, Alex Otti of Abia State, said security remains the bedrock of development, noting that meaningful economic growth cannot thrive where citizens live in fear. While acknowledging improvements in security across much of the South-East, he urged leaders to remain proactive by strengthening intelligence gathering, deploying surveillance technology, improving public awareness and deepening regional cooperation.

Governor Otti also advocated greater investment in education, job creation and youth empowerment, arguing that expanding economic opportunities would reduce criminality and promote long-term peace and stability in the region.

Presenting a security assessment on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Major General O.M. Adegoke identified separatist violence, kidnapping, arms trafficking, cyber misinformation, organised crime and economic sabotage as the major threats confronting the South-East.

He warned that criminal groups were increasingly exploiting digital platforms, artificial intelligence and misinformation campaigns to spread fear and weaken public confidence, calling for stronger intelligence gathering, community engagement and coordinated regional responses.

Delivering the keynote address, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.), advocated a comprehensive security framework built on professional law enforcement, restoration of public trust, intelligence-led operations, stronger government presence and broad-based collaboration involving government, communities, religious institutions, businesses and the media.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), Barr. Chioma Nweze, participants were urged to reject violence, support intelligence gathering and work collectively towards restoring peace, economic prosperity and investor confidence across the region.

Goodwill messages were also presented by representatives of the governors of Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

The summit featured technical sessions, expert presentations on emerging security challenges, interactive panel discussions and award presentations aimed at producing practical recommendations for strengthening regional peace, security and sustainable development.

Participants unanimously resolved that sustained collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities remains the most effective pathway to restoring lasting peace, security and stability across the South-East.