President Ahmed Tinubu on Monday warned terrorists and other criminals in Nigeria to surrender or face consequences of their actions if they fail to do so.
He also assured of safer Nigeria.
The President made the declaration in katsina during the opening of a two-day inaugural Northwest Peace and Security Summit organized by the Northwest Governors’ Forum Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP.
The President who was represented at the occasion by his Vice, Kashim Shettima, maintained that military forces have through their various operations dismantled several criminal gangs in the country.
The President added that the Federal Government, had put in place several efforts and strategies to restore peace in the country particularly, in the North.
He revealed that eighty-one (81) billion Naira had been approved to address the root cause of banditry in the Northwest Region.
“We have to unite as a family to address the common problem. Wherever Nigeria goes, Africa goes, if Nigeria fails, Africa fails. We must work to make the country work”, he emphasized.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator, MOHAMED M. MALICK FALL, in his remarks, urged participants and stakeholders to remember and focus on potentials and opportunities the region has because the region according to him, has the great wealth in terms of natural resources.
He said “Let’s focus on the potentials and opportunities the region has and not the challenges to create a narrative that will give hope for the upcoming young generation and tomorrow’s leaders. UN will be with you in this course and deliberations”.
The Minister of Defence, MOHAMMAD BADARU, in his address at the occasion, revealed that, Nigeria’s armed forces and other security agencies are committed to ending security problem in the country, stressing the need for more synergy among the security agencies and northwest governors.
He revealed “In days to come, we will sit down and look at the recommendations to come out from the summit and provide workable solution. We will surely fight poverty and restore the country.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Dr Abubakar Sa’ad (III) who spoke on behalf of the royal fathers, condoled with the government and people of Katsina State over the Saturday’s killing of people by bandits.
He expressed concern over the persistent security problem facing the country despite the huge resources spent by the government to address it.
He assured readiness and willingness of all traditional rulers to work with the government and other political leaders at all levels to bring insecurity to an end and ensure that the Northwest region is safe.
He declared “Over the past decade, security persists despite huge resources spent by the government in procuring security equipment aimed at bringing the problem to an end. I thank the UNDP, the UN and Government of Germany.
“We must tell ourselves the truth, we met with Northwest Governors for nothing less than 5-6 sittings on the same issue, yet the problem persists”.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda who is also the Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, in his address, stressed the need for the region to harness their commonness in tackling the issue.
He highlighted efforts made by the forum to tackling insecurity in the region, insisting that, the fight against banditry is primarily shouldered on the Federal Government.
He thanked the leadership of the Nigerian Army, the Police and the Nigerian Air Force who he said, have been up and doing in this regard.
The Governor urged the Federal Government to deploy security technology to effectively enhance surveillance network to address banditry.
Radda, while highlighting ways to tackle banditry in the Region, believed that its root cause including poverty, social injustice, climate change and illiteracy among others must be addressed first.
“Education and healthcare systems which are critical pillars must be reformed”, he added.
The Resident Representative, United Nation Development Program, MS. ELSIE ATTAFUAH said in her remarks that the summit represents a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to build peace in Northwest Nigeria.
She added that the UNDP’s partnership with regional governments has been instrumental in fostering dialogue and developing sustainable solutions.
She said “The summit will further strengthen collective resolve to create a safer environment for the people of this region.
“By bringing together key stakeholders, this summit is expected to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue and action, leading to concrete strategies for enhancing peace and security in Northwest Nigeria.
“Discussions will explore sustainable approaches to advancing food security and fostering sustainable livelihoods, while examining how different regional actors can support and enhance regional cooperation and integrated solutions for the region’s future development.
“A key outcome of the Summit will be an agreement by all participating parties – including the seven Northwest state government, federal government, and the UN – to support the development of the Northwest Peace and Security Development Framework.
“This framework will serve as a guiding document for the region, outlining strategies, policies, and actions needed to enhance regional cooperation and interoperability.”
The Germany Ambassador To Nigeria, ANNETT GUNTHER, also spoke at length on the significance of regional security.
The summit, first of its kind in the region, brought together Governors from across the northwest region including the Niger State Governor and other key partners to address the pressing security challenges facing the region.
Insecurity has had devastating consequences on the local population, resulting in significant loss of life, severe disruption to livelihoods and widespread destruction of property.
This underscores the urgent need for coordinated action and solutions to restore peace and stability to the region – Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
Under the theme “Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods,” the summit aims to explore solutions to ongoing insecurity, focusing on promoting peace and stability while strengthening cooperation among state governments to tackle these complex issues.
Governors of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto states alongside traditional rulers and religious leaders from the region attended the summits opening ceremony.