The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the South-East, stressing that sustainable security requires stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and local communities.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris made the commitment at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State.
Speaking on the summit’s theme: “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” Idris said security remains the foundation of national development and requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.
“When the South-East is secure, Nigeria is stronger. When every region enjoys peace, our democracy flourishes. And when we stand together as one people, united by a common destiny, no force can diminish the promise of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strengthened the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies through enhanced intelligence sharing, improved inter-agency coordination, acquisition of modern equipment and continuous personnel training.
He stated that “the government had also expanded international partnerships to combat terrorism and transnational crime while investing in infrastructure, education, youth empowerment and regional development to address the root causes of insecurity.”
Idris urged Nigerians to reject misinformation and hate speech, describing responsible communication as an essential pillar of national security.
“Peace is far more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, opportunity, inclusion and hope,” he said.
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa said the summit marked the beginning of a new phase of collaboration aimed at addressing the region’s security challenges.
He stressed that the Nigerian Government was seeking practical solutions from communities rather than imposing policies from Abuja.
“We want to hear from you. What are the issues on the ground? What is required? What challenges do you face? We want the region to speak for itself because that will give us better input into what is supposed to be done,” he said.
According to the Defence Minister, although military operations have recorded measurable successes, lasting peace can only be sustained through community ownership of security initiatives and stronger partnerships between government and the people.
In a goodwill message, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, represented by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, assured participants of the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture through legislative support.
He emphasised that insecurity can only be effectively tackled through partnerships among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society and citizens.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu called for stronger regional cooperation and institutional reforms to address evolving security challenges in the South-East.
“The time has come to move from dialogue to implementation. Security cannot be achieved through force alone; it requires collaboration, community trust and collective responsibility,” he said, while reaffirming the House’s commitment to supporting legislative and constitutional reforms to strengthen national security.
The Host Governor, Alex Oti of Abia State described security as the foundation of prosperity and sustainable development.
While acknowledging that pockets of insecurity remain in parts of the region, Otti said significant progress had been achieved through intelligence sharing, investments in surveillance technology and closer collaboration among security agencies.
He called for sustained efforts to tackle kidnapping, drug trafficking and other criminal activities while expanding economic opportunities for young people through education, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and job creation.
“There is no legitimate reason to commit crime, but people must also be provided with opportunities that enable them to earn a decent living,” the Governor said.
Otti also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting criminal activities, stressing that criminals should not be shielded because of family or ethnic affiliations.
Representatives of the Governors of Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, grassroots engagement and development-driven initiatives to combat insecurity.
Participants expressed optimism that the summit’s recommendations would enhance regional cooperation, improve community-based security and promote lasting peace and economic development across the South-East.
