The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to restoring lasting peace and security across the South-East, urging stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society and citizens.
The FG also called for broad national support for the proposed establishment of state police as part of ongoing constitutional reforms.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday while delivering his address at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.
The summit, themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” brought together governors of the South-East states, federal and state lawmakers, security and intelligence chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic community, youth representatives and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on solutions to the region’s security challenges.
Idris commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), led by Barr. Chioma Nweze, for convening what he described as a timely and strategic gathering.
He said security remains the foundation of national development, stressing that sustainable economic growth, investment, education and agriculture cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and instability.
“The South-East occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s national life. Renowned for enterprise, innovation and resilience, its people have made enormous contributions to our country’s economic development. The Federal Government therefore remains fully committed to ensuring lasting peace and security across the region,” the minister said.
Idris reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting lives and property, describing it as the foremost responsibility of government.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Administration has adopted a comprehensive security strategy that combines military operations, intelligence-led policing, judicial accountability, economic development and strategic partnerships to combat insecurity nationwide.
He disclosed that since assuming office in May 2023, the administration has significantly strengthened the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies through improved intelligence sharing, enhanced inter-agency coordination, acquisition of modern equipment and continuous training of personnel.
The minister said the investments were already yielding tangible results, with security forces recording major successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal groups through the destruction of criminal hideouts, rescue of kidnapped victims and restoration of peace in affected communities.
Highlighting Nigeria’s international security partnerships, Idris said the country had deepened cooperation with the United States and other friendly nations to strengthen intelligence sharing, specialised training, counter-terrorism operations and efforts to disrupt terrorist financing and logistics.
He noted that terrorism had become a transnational threat requiring sustained global collaboration.
The minister also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, noting that Nigeria had undertaken one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in its history under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
According to him, the prosecutions demonstrate government’s resolve to ensure that those responsible for acts of terrorism and violent crimes are brought to justice through due process.
Idris stressed that the Tinubu administration recognises the strong link between security and development, insisting that communities with access to quality infrastructure, education, employment opportunities and economic empowerment are less vulnerable to criminality and violent extremism.
He said this philosophy informed the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, which is coordinating the activities of regional development commissions, including the South East Development Commission, to accelerate infrastructure renewal and economic development across the region.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government is implementing major road construction projects, rail modernisation, power infrastructure and digital connectivity initiatives across the South-East to improve mobility, facilitate commerce and attract private investment.
He also highlighted ongoing investments in education and youth development through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education.
According to him, youth empowerment programmes, digital skills acquisition initiatives, entrepreneurship support schemes and expanded access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are not merely economic interventions but strategic investments in national security.
“Every young Nigerian empowered through education or enterprise is less vulnerable to criminal recruitment and violent extremism,” he stated.
The minister warned that insecurity is increasingly being fuelled by misinformation, disinformation and hate speech, which criminal groups exploit to spread fear, divide communities and weaken national unity.
He said the Federal Government was responding through the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), which are promoting media literacy, responsible digital citizenship and critical thinking among Nigerians.
Idris urged citizens to verify information before sharing it, emphasising that every Nigerian has a responsibility to promote peace through responsible communication.
He also challenged journalists to uphold professional ethics by resisting sensational reporting and avoiding narratives capable of advancing the objectives of criminal groups.
The minister further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and civil society groups to intensify efforts at promoting dialogue, social cohesion and cooperation with security agencies, noting that timely intelligence from citizens remains one of the most effective tools for preventing attacks and dismantling criminal networks.
On the ongoing debate over state police, Idris described the constitutional amendment process as a significant opportunity to strengthen grassroots policing and bring law enforcement closer to local communities.
He noted that the proposed constitutional amendment had progressed through the National Assembly and now requires consideration by the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states.
Describing the current stage as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, the minister called on governors, state legislatures, traditional institutions, religious leaders, professional bodies, civil society organisations and the media to engage constructively in the constitutional process.
He maintained that the ultimate objective is to build a policing system that is more responsive, accountable and effective while preserving the unity and constitutional integrity of Nigeria.
Idris concluded by urging all stakeholders to deepen cooperation in addressing security challenges, support constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening grassroots policing, reject misinformation and unite in building peaceful, inclusive and prosperous communities.
He assured the people of the South-East that the Tinubu administration would continue partnering with the region to create an environment where businesses flourish, communities thrive and citizens can pursue their aspirations without fear.
“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,” the minister said.
Ends
Women’s political leadership Forum
ECOWAS has lowest women representation in politics – UNDP
….Says it ‘il fail to attend gender equality by 2131
….To open women…in 2027 in Rwanda
From: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja
Jide Okeke
The Minister said Nigeria is committed to 35 percent affirmative.
Ekiti and Kwara exceeded the 35 %
She listed some of the appointments in favour of women.
Proposed a dedicated fund for gender .
The parties must commit to meeting the set minimum
