Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has called for a multi-faceted approach to address the insecurity plaguing the North West geopolitical zone. Speaking at the North-West Zonal Peace and Security Summit, he emphasized the need for integrated security operations, governance reforms, community engagement, and socio-economic recovery. The summit, themed “Towards Enduring Peace and Harmony in the North-West Zone,” was organized by the Cheren Peace Foundation in collaboration with the North-West Governors Forum.
Represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Alhaji Sule Shaibu, Governor Sani stressed that no single entity can tackle security threats alone. He advocated for empowering local communities to partner in peace efforts, strengthening inter-state collaboration, and sharing intelligence to respond to security challenges. The governor noted that the region’s complex security issues transcend state borders and are fueled by poverty, exclusion, and weak social cohesion.
Kaduna State’s Peace Model, which combines logistical support for security agencies with dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion, was cited as a success story. The model is based on the principle that communities are crucial partners in preventing and resolving insecurity. The state is also implementing inclusive development programs, expanding education and skills acquisition, and providing social protection for youth and women to reduce the likelihood of criminal activity.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, also emphasized the need for collective efforts to address insecurity. They urged religious leaders to promote interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence, and young people to reject social vices and become builders of peace. The Federal Government’s commitment to supporting coordinated security operations through inter-agency collaboration and community-focused approaches was also highlighted.
The North-West Zonal Peace and Security Summit is part of a broader effort to address the breakdown of peace in the region, characterized by rising banditry and terrorism. The Cheren Peace Foundation, which organized the summit, has a 25-year legacy of peace-building efforts and has previously held a North-Central Peace Summit. The Kaduna State Government supported the North-West edition, which aimed to promote messages of unity, tolerance, and coexistence.
