Accredited Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) in Nigeria have called for a shift to a more inclusive, community-driven approach to tackling insecurity, urging the Federal Government to deepen collaboration with grassroots actors.

The Director-General of the Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative, Kunle Yusuff, in a joint statement issued on Monday, said the evolving nature of insecurity across the country demands strategies that go beyond conventional responses, stressing that communities must be placed at the centre of prevention and early warning efforts.

In the joint position, the organisations noted that their extensive grassroots presence provides unique access to local intelligence, early warning signals, and trust-based networks that can help curb violence before it escalates.

They emphasised that stronger engagement between government agencies and civil society actors would enhance intelligence gathering, improve situational awareness, and promote active community participation in security initiatives.

According to the groups, community-driven mechanisms, including local dialogue platforms, conflict resolution structures, and peacebuilding initiatives, remain critical in addressing tensions and preventing crises in vulnerable areas.

They also underscored the importance of integrating technology with local knowledge, noting that effective security management requires a blend of modern tools and community-based intelligence.

The organisations further drew attention to the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, warning that failure to address these underlying factors could continue to fuel violence and threaten national stability.

While reaffirming their commitment to supporting government efforts, the groups urged policymakers to institutionalise frameworks that formally integrate CSOs and CBOs into both national and sub-national security architecture.

They maintained that only through sustained collaboration, trust-building, and inclusive policies can Nigeria achieve lasting peace and security.