Amid rising security concerns across the country, stakeholders in the South-South geo-political zone have called for a decentralised security approach, improved community–government collaboration, and more robust intelligence sharing to better address insecurity in the region and beyond.

 

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara urged stronger cooperation among stakeholders to enhance peace and stability. The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benebo Anabraba, spoke at the South-South Zonal Public Hearing of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on the National Security Summit, held in Port Harcourt on Thursday. The theme of the summit was “The Way Forward in Tackling National Security Issues at the Local Level.”

 

Fubara stressed that maintaining security requires joint effort: “Security is not the business of government alone but a shared responsibility. As a government, we continue to collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies by providing equipment, operational support, accommodation, and welfare for personnel, including the Nigerian Legion.”

 

He said the summit was timely given the security challenges affecting the region’s environment, economic activities, and safety, adding that stakeholders must adopt a bottom-up approach tailored to the South-South’s unique coastal terrain.

 

The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to proactive measures, including intelligence sharing, youth empowerment, and community-based participation to strengthen existing security initiatives.

 

Senate Minority Leader and Chairman of the South-South Security Summit, Senator Abba Patrick Moro, described the gathering as an opportunity to better understand local dynamics and jointly craft solutions to security issues.

 

He said the Senate is seeking insights from security experts, traditional leaders, community representatives, civil society groups, and those directly affected by insecurity:

 

“The information gathered here will guide our recommendations to the Senate and shape future legislative actions, budget provisions, and policy reforms aimed at improving national security.”

 

The Chairman of the South-South Traditional Rulers Forum, His Majesty Sergeant Awuse, emphasized the need for security agencies to prioritise preventive strategies over reactive responses.

 

 

 

“Every crime is planned. Government must invest in gathering information before crimes occur. There must be real consultation and collaboration. When properly coordinated, the South-South can develop a zonal security framework that strengthens national security.”

 

Other speakers at the summit included the state leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), leaders of the Muslim community, and heads of security agencies.