Seek External Assistance to End Terrorism, Banditry, Groups Tell FG
Amid rising concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security landscape, the Africa Freedom Foundation (AFF) and the Yari Roundtable for Peace have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings or seek external assistance if domestic capacity continues to fall short.
The demand was made on Thursday in Abuja during a one-day summit themed “Conversation on the Search for Peace in Nigeria,” convened by former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani.
The event brought together religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities, policymakers, civil society advocates, academics, and security experts to examine long-term solutions to the country’s deepening insecurity.
Stakeholders at the gathering voiced alarm over the relentless wave of violence sweeping across several regions, warning that Nigeria risks sliding further into instability unless decisive action is taken.
They underscored the urgent need for a national conversation, transparent governance, and a more coherent and collaborative approach to security management.
In his opening address, Senator Shehu Sani criticized the continued escalation of insecurity despite the significant sums allocated annually to defence and security agencies.
He stressed that accountability must be central to any security reform, urging Nigerians to scrutinize how funds provided for national safety are being utilized.
“The appropriate use of security funds must be questioned,” Sani said. “The urgency of national dialogue has never been more critical, as peaceful coexistence in Nigeria is at risk.”
The former senator painted a grim picture of the human cost of insecurity, noting that communities across religious and ethnic lines are suffering daily.
He highlighted ongoing killings in Katsina, Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, and other states as evidence that no region is insulated from the crisis.
“Muslims are killed in Katsina, Christians are killed in Benue. Muslims are killed in Zamfara, Christians are killed in Plateau. Every day, people are being buried,” he lamented.
Sani argued that the government must broaden its approach, embrace inclusive solutions, and be willing to collaborate beyond its immediate circles.
He added that holding office should not be misconstrued as having exclusive knowledge or capabilities.
“Government must reach out,” he said. “Being in power does not mean you have a monopoly of knowledge.”
Participants at the summit collectively emphasized that if the government’s current strategies prove insufficient, Nigeria must not shy away from seeking international support whether in intelligence, training, equipment, or peacebuilding partnerships.
The summit concluded with a renewed call for unity, sustained dialogue among diverse groups, and a robust restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture to prevent further deterioration.
