National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) will on Monday in Kaduna lead the Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police and heads of security agencies to kickstart a nationwide townhall meetings as part of strategies to mobilise civil support against the rising insecurity in the country.
To be held in all the six geopolitical zones, the maiden edition in Kaduna on February 15 is expected to also have the Governors of the seven Northwest States.
A statement on Saturday from the Office of the NSA said that the meetings are expected to provide direct assessment of the security situation, generate local feedback and recommendations, encourage geopolitical synchronisation of efforts among States and also create a pathway to peace and security.
The statement said that the decision to hold the regional parley was taken at a meeting of the General Security Appraisal Committee (GSAC) hosted by the NSA February 11.
The statement explained that the GSAC meeting, which was attended by the Service Chiefs and heads of law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies discussed the threats of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery and the resultant consequences of these threats on lives and property.
As part of the renewed commitment to make Nigeria safe and secure, the meeting resolved to strengthen inter-agency coordination, stakeholders’ engagement and consultation in order to find solutions to the multiple security threats.
Working with the Service Chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies, the statement stated that the NSA is coordinating “a Whole -of -Government and Whole-of Society approach that cuts across the legislature, judiciary, ministries and departments , states and local governments and the civil society to ensure that every stakeholder plays a role in securing our towns and villages.”
The NSA, it noted, believed that addressing these threats called for the deployment of all national assets, including the cooperation of all Nigerians.
The Federal Government while expressing deep concern about the current spate of criminal activities, said it was taking major steps to strengthen the capacity of security agencies, upgrading the security architecture, and implementing a multi-pronged strategy that involves political, humanitarian, economic and security measures.
The government also said it was committed to working with the states and community leaders to strengthen peace, security and development in all parts of the country.
The statement read, “Consequently, the National Security Adviser will be leading a delegation of heads of federal law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies to the geo-political zones to hold townhall meetings with the state governors, traditional and religious leaders, members of the legislature, non-governmental, youth and women organisations.
“The first of the townhall meetings is scheduled to hold in Kaduna State on Monday, 15 February 2021 with all seven Governors of the North-Western States.”
