Governor Idris Urges Unity, Collaboration to End Insecurity

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Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has called on the people of Northwest Nigeria to unite and work collectively toward securing the region and ensuring freedom from violence and crime.

He made the call in Birnin Kebbi while declaring open the First Security Summit with the theme “Existential Threats and National Security,” organised by the Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum (ABMPF) in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government.

Governor Idris said the summit provides a vital platform to foster dialogue, share best practices, and chart a sustainable path toward lasting peace and stability in the country.

He noted that insecurity remains a formidable global challenge whose effects have been felt across all parts of Nigeria — disrupting social cohesion, impeding economic development, and threatening political stability.

According to him, the displacement of communities, population migrations, and destruction of livelihoods have created an urgent need for proactive measures to address the menace.

Governor Idris acknowledged that the present administration inherited a complex security situation but emphasised the need for collaboration and renewed commitment to confront insecurity head-on with innovative strategies.

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising national security through increased resource allocation, which he said has yielded measurable progress across the country.

The Governor also highlighted efforts by his administration to strengthen security in Kebbi, including enhanced intelligence gathering through community participation, logistics support, and incentives for security personnel.

> “No inch of Kebbi land is under the occupation of bandits. They operate in transit and retreat to neighbouring states after committing their atrocities,” he stated.

 

Governor Idris, however, admitted that the activities of the Lakurawa group remain a challenge but assured that the government is tackling it with renewed vigour and unwavering commitment.

Speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, who chaired the summit, described security as a collective responsibility, stressing that everyone has a role to play in ensuring peace.

The Sultan commended the organisers of the summit and urged other bodies to emulate the initiative, noting that “security summits can never be too many.” He condemned the payment of ransom for kidnapped victims and called for stricter measures to curb the trend.

He further appealed to both Muslims and Christians to unite and engage in sincere dialogue on how best to tackle insecurity across the country.

Delivering the keynote address, Lt. Gen. AbdurRahman Dambazau (rtd), a former Minister of Interior, warned that Northern Nigeria faces multiple security threats that could endanger the nation’s progress if left unaddressed.

He identified poverty, illiteracy, erosion of family values, religious extremism, drug abuse, and climate change as major drivers of insecurity in the region.

Gen. Dambazau called for the effective use of federal allocations, investment in education and skills acquisition to curb unemployment, and the strengthening of justice and security institutions to promote sustainable peace and development.