South East must be secured for Nigeria to be stronger – FG

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has emphasized that enduring peace and security in the South-East are essential for Nigeria’s unity, economic advancement, and national progress.

The Minister made this assertion on Thursday during the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State.

“When the South-East is secured, Nigeria becomes stronger. When every region experiences peace, our democracy thrives.

“And when we unite as one people, bound by a shared destiny, no force can undermine the promise of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” stated the Minister.

Addressing the theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” Idris noted that security necessitates a comprehensive approach involving the entire government and society, including governmental bodies, security agencies, traditional leaders, religious figures, civil society, and the populace.

He reaffirmed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property through enhanced intelligence sharing, improved inter-agency collaboration, better resources for security forces, and international cooperation.

“The Federal Government is fully committed to ensuring that every community in the South-East experiences enduring peace and security. Security serves as the foundation for investment, education, agriculture, and economic growth,” he remarked.

The Minister also pointed out ongoing investments in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, digital skills, and support for small enterprises, describing these as vital elements of the administration’s security strategy.

He urged the populace to dismiss misinformation and endorse initiatives aimed at enhancing grassroots policing through continuous constitutional reforms concerning State Police.

“Peace transcends mere absence of conflict; it embodies justice, opportunity, inclusion, and hope. We must collectively reject division and strive to cultivate communities based on trust and shared prosperity,” Idris articulated.

Delivering goodwill message President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, emphasized that the National Assembly is dedicated to providing the necessary legislative support to fortify Nigeria’s security framework and foster enduring peace throughout the nation.

He underscored that tackling insecurity necessitates robust collaborations among government entities, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society, and the citizenry.

“No nation has ever achieved security through isolated actions; security thrives where partnerships are nurtured,” he remarked, further stating that the Senate will persist in backing initiatives that bolster national unity, economic growth, and regional stability.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, advocated for enhanced regional cooperation and institutional reforms to tackle the evolving security challenges in the South-East.

“The moment has arrived to transition from dialogue to action. Security cannot be attained solely through force; it demands collaboration, community trust, and shared responsibility,” Kalu asserted.

He reiterated the House of Representatives’ commitment to endorsing legislative and constitutional reforms that will reinforce Nigeria’s security framework.

In his address, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, characterized security as the foundation of development and prosperity, asserting that no significant progress can be made in an environment filled with fear and insecurity.

He said, “We cannot afford to surrender this great land and its people to the forces of insecurity. Security is the foundation upon which all our hopes for development and prosperity rest.”

He also highlighted the importance of generating economic opportunities for the youth, enhancing intelligence sharing, and addressing the fundamental causes of crime to reinforce peace and foster regional development.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa (Rtd), stated that the Federal Government is steadfast in its dedication to protecting the lives and properties of all Nigerians through ongoing investments in the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“Security is not merely the duty of the Armed Forces or the Police; it is a collective responsibility that necessitates the unified commitment of the government, communities, and every patriotic citizen,” General Musa remarked.

He further noted that improved training, advanced equipment, better intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration among agencies are fortifying the nation’s security response.

Present at the event were the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; representatives from the Governors of Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo States; the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd); traditional leaders, religious figures, heads of security agencies, lawmakers, civil society organizations, and other esteemed stakeholders from the South-East.