North-west leaders call for unified action on insecurity

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

North-west leaders have called for a unified strategy to tackling insecurity in the region, as they convened for a national security summit at the weekend.

Speaking on Saturday at the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on National Security Summit, North-west zone, participants brainstormed on collaborative ways to address escalating insecurity.

The summit, themed “Building Robust Regional Collaboration to Tackle Insecurity: Pathways for Securing the Future”, brought together senators, governors, traditional rulers, and security experts.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani called for a North West Theatre Command to unify military and security agency efforts under a single command. He also proposed establishing permanent security committees at state and local government levels incorporating traditional rulers, religious leaders, women’s organisations, youth groups, and security agencies.

“The North West requires an integrated system balancing military safety, community engagement, and long-term development. The central component should be the creation of a North West Theatre Command, bringing the Nigerian Army 1 Division and F Division under a unified command structure… We must also build strong security partnerships beyond our borders… However, military power alone cannot win this battle. Community trust and participation are indispensable.”

Governor Sani further proposed that “permanent security committees” serve as platforms for conflict resolution and build trust between citizens and the state.

Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar emphasised the need for a “whole-of-society approach” to security and highlighted federal government efforts, including the reopening of key routes and support for displaced villagers.

He noted that progress had been achieved but more must be done to address lingering threats from armed groups.

“The whole-of-society approach remains central to our strategy,” the Minister stated. “Defence is only one side of the coin … national security cannot be achieved by military agencies alone; it requires the active participation of every citizen.”

Badaru praised the role of state governors, traditional rulers, women’s and youth groups, and civil society in supporting security and community vigilance, noting their vital contributions to building resilience.

Professor Muhammad Kabir Isa, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, identified governance deficits, socio-economic distress, and environmental stress as underlying drivers of insecurity.

He recommended addressing poverty, unemployment, and climate change as part of a broad strategy.

The summit resolved to establish a regional security collaboration framework for the North-west to promote sustainable development and resolve insecurity.

Senator Babangida Hussaini, Organising Committee Chair, noted that this regional event formed part of a nationwide series of security summits ahead of the National Security Summit in Abuja on 1 December 2025. He praised the Senate’s leadership for convening these critical discussions at a time of national challenge.