Tinubu seeks grassroots peace panels to curb insecurity

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the formation of community-based peace and security committees across the country to strengthen stability at the grassroots.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the President spoke in Birnin Kebbi at the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC), held at the Presidential Banquet Hall.

He said the initiative would deepen dialogue, improve conflict resolution and enhance coordination among traditional institutions, local communities and security agencies.

The forum, with the theme “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace in Northern Nigeria”, drew traditional rulers, top security officials and government representatives to examine pathways for tackling insecurity in the region.

Tinubu said the proposed committees would also promote interfaith engagement, build unity and ease communal tensions. He added that empowering women and youth through education, economic inclusion and leadership preparation was critical to reducing violent extremism.

NTRC Chairman and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, praised the Armed Forces for their sacrifices and cautioned citizens against actions capable of demoralising security personnel.

The Shehu of Borno stressed the need for sustained synergy among communities, traditional rulers and the military to consolidate peace gains.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, restated the military’s resolve to restore peace nationwide. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, called for national unity and public backing for the Armed Forces.

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, welcomed the Council to the state and reaffirmed support for traditional institutions as frontline partners in peacebuilding.

Representatives of the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the DSS also attended and underscored the critical role of traditional rulers in strengthening security coordination.