In response to the fast deteriorating insecurity in the country, the government has finalized plans to engage state governors, royal fathers, religious leaders, civil society organizations and other stakeholders on the way out.
According to the arrangement, the National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd) will lead a delegation of heads of federal law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies to the six geo-political zones for town hall meetings with the various stakeholders.
The first of the meetings is scheduled to hold in Kaduna on February 15 and would be attended by the heads of security agencies and the governors of the North-Western States, according to a statement issued on Saturday from the Office of the NSA.
The plan to hold the meetings, said the statement, followed decisions reached at a meeting of the General Security Appraisal Committee ( GSAC) convened by the NSA on February 11, 2021.
That meeting was said to have been attended by the service chiefs and heads of law enforcement, security, and intelligence agencies to discuss the threats of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, and the “resultant consequences of these threats on lives and property.”
Nigeria is currently witnessing its worst peace-time insecurity as kidnapping, murder, rape and other violent crimes have spread across the country.
“As part of renewed commitment to make Nigeria safe and secure, the meeting resolved to strengthen interagency coordination, stakeholders’ engagement and consultation in order to find lasting solution to the multiple security threats,” the statement said.
Details of the statement are as follows:
“In furtherance of Federal Government’s commitment to address multiple security threats facing Nigeria, the National Security Adviser convened a meeting of the General Security Appraisal Committee ( GSAC) on 11th February 2021. “The meeting, which was attended by the Service Chiefs and Heads of Law Enforcement, Security and Intelligence Agencies discussed the threats of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery and the resultant consequences of these threats on lives and property.
“As part of renewed commitment to make Nigeria safe and secure, the meeting resolved to strengthen interagency coordination, stakeholders’ engagement and consultation in order to find a lasting solution to the multiple security threats.
“Working with the Service Chiefs and Heads of Security and Intelligence Agencies, the National Security Adviser is coordinating a Whole -of -Government and Whole-of Society approach that cuts across the Legislature, Judiciary, Ministries and Departments, States and Local Governments and the Civil Society to ensure that every stakeholder plays a role in securing our towns and villages.
“The NSA believes that addressing these threats calls for the deployment of all national assets, including the cooperation of all Nigerians. “Consequently, the National Security Adviser will be leading a delegation of Heads of Federal Law Enforcement, Security and Intelligence Agencies to the Geo-Political Zones to hold Town Halls meeting with the State Governors, Traditional and Religious Leaders, members of the Legislature, Non-Governmental, Youth, and Women Organisations.
“The meetings are expected to provide a direct assessment of the security situation, generate local feedback and recommendations, encourage Geo-Political synchronization of effort among States and to also create a pathway to lasting peace and security.
“The first of the Town Hall Meetings is scheduled to hold in Kaduna State on Monday, 15 February 2021 with all Seven Governors of the North-Western States.
“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the current spate of criminal activities and is taking major steps to strengthen the capacity of security agencies while upgrading the security architecture and implementing a multi-pronged strategy that involves political, humanitarian, economic, and security measures. The Federal Government is equally committed to working with the states and community leaders to strengthen peace, security, and development in all parts of the country.”
