Zamfara governor advocates regional collaboration for insecurity in northern Nigeria

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has called for a multi-dimensional approach to address the complex security situation in northern Nigeria. The governor made this proposal during a two-day roundtable discussion on insecurity organized by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in Abuja.

The CNG organised the programme at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre and also had in attendance a number of other governors as well as a former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.

A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, noted that that the event was designed to among things, encourage community engagement in the fight against banditry and related crimes in the north.

He said that the resource persons at the event delivered lectures on critical areas of concern, including a framework for cooperation and collaboration between federal, state and local authorities.

The statement read: “Governor Dauda Lawal and other governors attended a two-day roundtable organised by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) with the theme, “Multidimensional Approach to Tackling Insecurity in Northern Nigeria.”

“There were discussions on how to address insecurity in the northern region, focusing on kinetic and non-kinetic approaches and tackling the proliferation of arms and drugs, through local vigilance and border security measures.

“Delivering his remarks at the event, Governor Dauda Lawal restated that a multi-dimensional approach to addressing insecurity in the North is the way to go.

“I have listened keenly to the various addresses and the discussions and I believe the necessary foundation has been laid for the panels and syndicates to develop a comprehensive framework for a multidimensional approach to tackling insecurity in northern Nigeria.

“For us in Zamfara State, we also believe that a multi-dimensional approach is the way to go. “However, for Zamfara, in tandem with our border and regional states, we have also resolved to work together and tackle the issue using a regional approach and not operate solo.

“This will enhance synergy among the affected states in combating the insecurity challenges. “Community engagement in the fight against banditry and related crimes is gaining momentum.

“This synergy becomes even more imperative as Joint operations and intelligence sharing are essential. “Just like Katsina State has done, we are also commissioning our Community Protection Guards, backed by law and a formal structure, who the military and the police authorities have adequately trained to act as first responders, search and rescue and work with the Federal Government’s security forces and similar entities in other states, in the course of restoring security in our communities.

“We have also set up a Security Trust Fund like others in the region, to mobilise, manage, and deploy funds to complement government efforts in restoring security.

“In Zamfara, we are also tackling the identified hydra-headed fodder that feeds insecurity: the denigration of education and high unemployment, especially among the youth, by targeted interventions in those sectors, amongst others.”