The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (Rtd) has expressed President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to work with the Governors of North West States to strengthen internal security. The NSA disclosed this at a stakeholder engagement meeting in Kaduna.
General Monguno who led Service Chiefs and Heads of Security and Intelligence Agencies to the meeting, stated that citizens have a critical role to play in the security architecture and restated Federal Government unflinching commitment to Security Sector Reforms in Nigeria. The NSA called for the support of traditional and religious leaders in the areas of community engagement and citizens feedback, and appreciated their peace-building efforts.
He also expressed appreciation to the work undertaken by State Governments in support of Law Enforcement and Security agencies, stating that political leadership at local and state levels play important roles in security, and therefore should be strengthened through effective coordination and communication between the Federal Government and the states, as well as between States.
He emphasized the need for a Whole-of-Government and a Whole-of-Society Approach. The NSA further maintained that vertical and horizontal cooperation would result to a Whole-of-Nation Solution, and assured that criminals will be brought to justice.
Meanwhile, religious and traditional leaders who attended the meeting called for peace and encouraged the Federal Government to sustain engagement with citizens on security matters.
Governors of the North West region highlighted the challenges of insecurity and their readiness to explore all necessary means, working with the Federal Government to prevent and counter criminality. The Governors congratulated the new Service Chiefs and commended them for taking the initiative to visit, and assured them of full cooperation.
In a bid to develop a road map for peace and security in the region, it was resolved that a date for a follow up meeting of the North West Stakeholders would be announced to fully deliberate and agree on the new road map.
