A whole-of-society approach comprising diverse strategies geared towards achieving the same goal is needed to surmount the security challenges being experienced in Northern Nigeria.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, emphasised this at a lecture at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria. The lecture was organised by the University’s Institute for Development Research and Training.
The Chief of Defence Staff, top military officers both serving and retired, senior officials of security agencies, members of the academic community, and students were present at the lecture.
The aim was to assess the current security situation in Northern Nigeria with a view to proffering suggestions to address them.
During his lecture, General Musa described the current security situation in Northern Nigeria as distinct, volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.
He explained that insecurity in Northern Nigeria is caused by both external and internal threats including the proliferation of small arms, climate change, poor governance, decay in infrastructure, poverty, and corruption, among other political, social, and economic factors.
He however expressed optimism that while these crises persist, they are surmountable with deliberate and conscious efforts by everyone.
The Defence Chief also highlighted several ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and the Armed Forces to address insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
Discussants acknowledged the sustained use of both traditional and non-traditional approaches in the restoration of peace and security in Nigeria, while winning the hearts and minds of the general population.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
