Insecurity: Tinubu Unveils Pulaku Resettlement Initiatives, As Governors Forge Peace Alliance
The inaugural North-West Peace and Security Summit held on Monday in Katsina, bringing together key stakeholders to address the pressing security challenges plaguing the region.
The summit with the theme “Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods in North-West Nigeria,” was opened by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu.
The Vice President announced that the Federal Government has launched the Pulaku Resettlement Initiative, a non-kinetic intervention to address some of the root causes of disputes and insecurity in the North-West.
“The pilot phase will be implemented in Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna States,” Shettima said.
He explained that the plan includes building residences, roads, schools and essential facilities, symbolizing the government’s commitment to sustainable development and a unified, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“The Federal Government is combining military interventions with police reform enhancing local policing, implementing peacebuilding programmes, promoting dialogue and launching educational campaigns to address the root causes of the conflicts,” he added.
In his address, Katsina State Governor and Chairman Northwest Governors Forum, Malam Dikko Radda emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in tackling the security challenges.
He highlighted the efforts of the North-West Governors Forum in addressing shared issues, particularly in the areas of security, agriculture, and power supply.
“The governors have launched community security initiatives in their respective states, such as the Community Watch Corps in Katsina, to work alongside formal security forces,” Radda added.
He also outlined comprehensive strategies to address banditry and food security issues in the region.
“These include strengthening intelligence networks, investing in modern technology such as drones and satellite imagery, enhancing coordination among security agencies and engaging local communities.”
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, affirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to ending armed conflicts in Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of synergy between security agencies and State Governors, stating that “the federal government is open to collaboration among security agencies, and in the days ahead, we will meet with the Governors to deliberate on the outcome of the Summit.”
His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, pledged the support of traditional institutions in tackling security challenges.
He called on citizens and communities to join hands with the government and security agencies in combating insecurity, emphasizing that grassroots involvement is crucial to ending the conflict.
The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, who was represented at the event, congratulated the governors for organizing the Summit and assured of the German government’s support in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.
The UNDP Country Representative, Elsie Attafuah, called for investment in youth to channel their potentials towards profitable ventures and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the security challenges.
The summit was attended by former President Muhammadu Buhari, ministers, and Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State; Dauda Lawal of Zamfara; and the Deputy Governors of Kaduna, Sokoto, and Kebbi, while Kano State was represented by Secretary to the State Government.
The summit was also attended by security chiefs, including Ambassador Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Also in attendance were Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Hussaini Adamu and Emir Zazzau, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamali.
