Air chief urges Nigerians to take ownership of security

By Philip Nwosu

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has called on Nigerians to take greater ownership of the nation’s security, stressing that the fight against insecurity cannot be left to the military and other security agencies alone.

The Air Chief made the call at the Delta State Security Summit in Asaba, where he said communities remain the first line of defence against crime because they are often the earliest to detect suspicious activities before they escalate into security threats.

Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Air Marshal Aneke said the changing nature of insecurity demands stronger cooperation between security agencies and members of the public.

He noted that suspicious movements, unusual gatherings and rising criminal activities are usually first observed by residents, making timely reporting and intelligence sharing critical to preventing attacks.

According to him, security is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of citizens, traditional institutions, community leaders, government and security agencies working together toward a common goal.

The Chief of the Air Staff further stated that no meaningful socio-economic development could be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity, urging all stakeholders to embrace collaboration as a strategy for building safer communities.

He also commended Delta State governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for convening the summit, describing it as a proactive initiative aimed at strengthening partnerships among critical stakeholders in addressing security challenges across the state.

In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori said protecting lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of government, adding that sustainable development can only thrive where peace and security are guaranteed.

The governor stressed that effective security management requires the combined efforts of government, security agencies, traditional rulers, local authorities, civil society organisations and the general public.