By Chidiebere Ugwu
Former Nigerian Head of State, Abdussalami Abubakar GCFR, will Chair Two-Day Roundtable Discussion on rising insecurity in Northern Nigeria organized by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) which will take place from the 24th to 25th of January 2024, at the Nigerian Army Resource Center in Asokoro, Abuja.
Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the National Coordinator of CNG, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja, while also unveiling the members of the Committee for the event.
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Comrade Aliyu, who briefed the press in company of other officials of the coalition, named the sub-technical Committee on Security members: to include: Maj Gen (Rtd.), SarkinYaki Bello as Chairman, ADG (Rtd.) Ibrahim Ahmad Katsina, Vice Chairman, and Dr. Aminu Idris as Secretary.
Others Brig Gen (Rtd.) Abubakar Hanafi Saa, CG (Rtd.) Abdullahi Gana, Muhammed, AVM (Rtd.) Monday Riku Morgan, Alhaji Salisu Muhammad, CG (Rtd.) Muhammed Babandede, Hadi U. Sudawa DIS (Rtd.),
Hassan A. Zungeru State Commander Narcotics, Col. (Rtd). Okojokwu Kennedy Ogbole, ACG (Rtd.) Bashir Abubakar, Cdre (Rtd.) David D. Nabaida, AIG (Rtd.) Paul Yakadi, CP (Rtd.) Hassan Zakari Biu, and Engr. Agaba Ikwue (FNSE).
Comrade Aliyu said the roundtable discussion became necessary as Northern Nigeria has been grappling with a series of security challenges that have inflicted immense suffering on the people in the last two decades.
“For the past two decades, Northern Nigeria has been grappling with a series of security challenges that have inflicted immense suffering on its people.
“The region has become a breeding ground for insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and various other criminal activities.
“The lack of political will and capacity to effectively contain these challenges has created a vacuum, leaving thousands dead, countless displaced, and numerous communities destroyed.
“Recognizing the urgent need for a change in approach, the Coalition of Northern Groups took a bold and necessary by assembling a committee of security experts.
“This committee which has been working for the past three months, examined the inadequate response to the security crisis, highlighting the absence of synergy among security agencies, the lack of cooperation between the states and federal government, and the neglect of public involvement in combating these issues.
“The committee’s research focused on key areas such as threat assessment, factors responsible for the deterioration of insecurity, containment strategies, coordinating platforms for joint security operations, and socio-economic factors that contribute to insecurity. Members of the committee also held engagements with relevant national security chiefs and some governors of the frontline states and gained useful insight and input.
“In the end, a roundtable discussion was proposed that will review and provide input into the operational framework for a multidimensional approach to tackling the security challenges in the region developed by the Technical Committee of Experts.
“The roundtable will bring together frontline Northern States Governors, National Security Chiefs, heads of security agencies, academics, policymakers, security experts, justices and judicial officers, traditional tulers, clerics, and other critical stakeholders. The aim is to develop strategies for collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities, as well as the involvement of the general public.
“The outcome of the roundtable will be a module to democratize the security project by engaging individuals and communities, as well as various stakeholders, to take ownership of the security efforts in the region.
“The discussion will include four syndicate sessions and an interactive session with state governors, security chiefs, and heads of security agencies. These sessions will provide a platform for in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and the formulation of actionable strategies.
“The roundtable will take place from the 24th to 25th of January 2024, at the Nigerian Army Resource Center in Asokoro, Abuja. Various committees, including a sub-technical committee on security and a planning committee on security, have been formed to oversee the event.
“In conclusion, the Coalition of Northern Groups is committed to addressing the critical issues affecting the Northern region. Through our upcoming roundtable discussion, we aim to foster collaboration, cooperation and synergy, develop actionable strategies, and engage all stakeholders in finding sustainable solutions. We urge everyone to join us in this endeavor, as together, we can overcome the challenges and create a brighter future for the Northern region” he stated.
