The Northern Traditional Rulers Committee has convened its 7th meeting in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, with a strong call for the adoption of innovative strategies to address the persistent insecurity plaguing the region and hindering its socio-economic development.
The meeting was formally declared open by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, who was represented by the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum.
This was contained in a press statement signed by Jack Tasha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, (Deputy Governor’s Office) which was obtained on Tuesday by our correspondent.
The Vice President described the theme of the meeting, “Enhanced Security as Panacea for Sustainability and Development of Northern Nigeria,” as both timely and crucial, given the inextricable link between security and development.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented by Deputy Governor Dr Manassah Jatau, lauded the meeting’s theme, “Enhanced Security as a Panacea for Stability and Development of the North,” describing it as not only relevant and necessary but inevitable for the region’s restoration.
Yahaya emphasised the deterioration of peace, unity, and economic self-reliance in Northern Nigeria, citing insecurity as a critical barrier to agricultural prosperity and overall development.
He called on traditional rulers and regional stakeholders to re-evaluate their roles and strategies, encouraging collaboration among all actors in the security architecture.
He referenced Gombe State’s inclusive “Security Council Model,” which involves not just law enforcement but traditional, religious, and community leaders, noting its effectiveness in addressing local security issues.
“Insecurity is no longer just a matter for law enforcement agencies,” he stressed. “It is our collective duty. Everyone must be involved—traditional rulers, community heads, and citizens.”
Yahaya also challenged the long-held notion that crime is solely a result of unemployment, instead pointing to the erosion of cultural, religious, and family values as a more critical factor in societal decay.
He urged traditional rulers to adopt a “Know Your Citizens” approach, advocating for grassroots intelligence gathering, timely information sharing, and better community engagement, including the support and incentivisation of ward heads.
Yahaya wished the Council fruitful deliberations and stressed the importance of implementing the resolutions reached, praying for divine guidance and success in their mission to secure and uplift Northern Nigeria.
“May Allah make it easy for us,” he said in his closing, drawing appreciative applause from the audience of traditional rulers, stakeholders, and dignitaries from across the northern region.
Governor Zulum commended the traditional rulers for their ongoing efforts in addressing insecurity across the region and the nation at large. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining the fight against insecurity.
“The nexus between security and development cannot be overemphasised. The Federal Government will continue to work assiduously with sub-national governments and traditional institutions to tackle lingering security challenges across the North and the entire country,” he said.
Also speaking, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, emphasised that the primary aim of the meeting—which is the seventh and the first to be held in Maiduguri—is to foster unity and provide lasting solutions to the insecurity that has hampered development in the North.
The Sultan called for peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups and warned against tribal profiling or any actions that could incite division and unrest. He stressed the resolve of traditional rulers to ensure the total eradication of Boko Haram and other forms of insecurity in the region.
The guest speaker at the event was Dr. Garba Abare. Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Inspector-General of Police, all of whom praised the traditional rulers for their vital role in bolstering security efforts across the region.
The Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed who is also the North-East Coordinator, Northern Traditional Rulers Council was in attendance.
