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By Correspondent in Minna.
The Commander, the Corps of Artillery, Kontagora, Major General Zakari Abubakar,has convened a maiden security and stakeholders’ meeting aimed at finding lasting solutions to the security crisis plaguing the region.
Our correspondent reports that the the meeting, held in Kontagora on Monday, brought together heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, retired military officers, and academics from Kontagora, Rijau, and Mariga Local Government Areas,all within the embattled Niger-North (Zone C) Senatorial District.
Speaking at the high-level gathering, Maj-Gen Abubakar emphasized the need for collaborative action and community ownership of securitym
He said: “Security is and should be everybody’s responsibility. “We must work together, regardless of our professional calling or background, to restore peace in our communities.”
The general stressed that peace is the foundation of development, adding that no meaningful progress can occur without it,urging participants to set aside their differences, engage in honest dialogue, and make sincere commitments toward ending insecurity.
The Army Chief identified credible and timely intelligence sharing as key to disrupting the operations of bandits and other criminal elements who have made life unbearable for residents of the area.
He also called on religious leaders to intensify prayers for divine intervention, while urging local government chairmen and community leaders to continue supporting security agencies who risk their lives daily to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, described the meeting as the first of its kind in the area and a step in the right direction.
He noted the complexity of security challenges facing the state, including kidnapping, cattle rustling, and communal clashes, and emphasized the need for strong political will to dismantle cross-border criminal networks.
Contributing,a retired senior military officer, Maj-Gen Salisu Sa’id (rtd), cautioned residents against aiding or collaborating with criminal groups.
“Without the cooperation of the public, especially in sharing information, it will be difficult to combat insecurity effectively,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commander,Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Maj-Gen John Sokoya, reiterated the importance of community engagement and intelligence-driven operations, stressing that strong synergy between communities and security forces is essential to prevent and counter emerging threats.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to forge a united front against insecurity in Niger State and its environs.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
