SOUTH- EAST LEADERS ADOPT COLLABORATIVE SECURITY STRATEGY AT THE FIRST REGIONAL SECURITY SUMMIT IN UMUAHIA
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening security across the South-East through a collaborative, community-driven approach as key political leaders, security chiefs and stakeholders converged in Umuahia, Abia State, for the maiden South-East Regional Security Summit.
The summit, organised by the Federal Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), Barr. Chioma Nweze, was themed “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability.”
The event, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, was convened by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), OFR, and attracted governors and their representatives from the five South-East states, federal lawmakers, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and community representatives.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Sen. Abdullahi Musa Yar’Adua, said insecurity remained a major obstacle to economic growth and national cohesion, stressing that sustainable peace could only be achieved through a whole-of-society approach involving government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, the private sector and local communities.
He assured participants of the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security architecture through improved legislation, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, technological innovation and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
Declaring the summit open, Defence Minister General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.) described the gathering as the beginning of a new chapter in efforts to restore lasting peace in the South-East.
He said the Federal Government deliberately created the summit to listen directly to the people on the region’s security challenges and develop practical, community-based solutions.
According to him, security is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of governments, traditional rulers, religious institutions, the media, civil society, youth groups, women and citizens, adding that enduring peace can only be achieved through trust, dialogue and cooperation.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, who hosted the summit, described security as the foundation of development, insisting that no meaningful economic progress could be achieved where citizens lived in fear.
Otti noted that although security had improved across much of the South-East, leaders must remain proactive by strengthening intelligence sharing, surveillance technology, public awareness and regional cooperation to stay ahead of criminal elements.
He also called for greater investment in education, job creation and youth empowerment, arguing that expanding economic opportunities would reduce the attraction of crime and strengthen long-term regional stability.
Presenting a security assessment on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Major General O.M. Adegoke identified separatist violence, kidnapping, arms trafficking, cyber misinformation, organised crime and economic sabotage as major security threats confronting the region.
He warned that criminal groups were increasingly exploiting digital platforms, artificial intelligence and misinformation campaigns to spread fear and undermine public confidence, stressing the need for stronger intelligence, community engagement and coordinated regional responses.
Delivering the keynote address, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.), advocated a comprehensive strategy combining professional law enforcement, restoration of public trust, stronger state presence, intelligence-led operations and cross-sector collaboration involving government, communities, religious leaders, businesses and the media.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), Barr. Chioma Nweze, participants were urged to reject violence, support intelligence gathering and work collectively to restore peace, economic prosperity and investor confidence across the region.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of the governors of Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states, alongside Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The summit featured technical panel discussions, presentations on regional security challenges, award presentations and interactive sessions aimed at developing actionable recommendations for strengthening peace, security and sustainable development across the South-East.
Participants resolved that stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies and local communities remains the most effective pathway to restoring lasting peace and regional stability.
