Tinubu seeks support of Northern traditional rulers over insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions as part of efforts to advance peace, security, national cohesion, and sustainable development across Nigeria.

Representing President Tinubu at the 8th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) on Monday in Dutse, Jigawa State, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the President’s message to the gathering of traditional rulers and stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria.

This was contained in the statement signed by the Special Assistant ( Media) to the Minister, Rabiu Ibrahim.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fully recognises the strategic role of traditional institutions and remains committed to deepening engagement with traditional rulers in advancing peace, security, national cohesion, and development,” the Minister said.

Idris commended the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for its continued contributions to peace, unity, security, and development across Northern Nigeria.

Speaking on the theme of the meeting, “Peace, Unity and Development of the North,” the Minister said peace remains the foundation of development and prosperity.

“Without peace, development becomes difficult; without unity, progress cannot be sustained. The pursuit of both must remain our collective responsibility,” he stated.

The Minister said traditional rulers remain critical partners in governance and peacebuilding because of their close relationship with communities and their ability to mobilise citizens around important national objectives.

“Across generations, our traditional rulers have served as custodians of culture and values, mediators in times of conflict, and trusted bridges between government and the people. Your proximity to the grassroots and your moral authority make you indispensable partners in governance, peacebuilding, and community mobilisation,” he said.

On security, Idris noted that the Tinubu administration has continued to strengthen coordination among the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions, leading to significant gains against criminal and terrorist groups across various parts of the country.

“While challenges remain, the administration is sustaining military operations, improving intelligence gathering, and enhancing inter-agency collaboration. At the same time, we recognise that lasting peace cannot be achieved through security operations alone. We must also address poverty, unemployment, social exclusion, and the lack of economic opportunities that often fuel insecurity,” he said.

The Minister highlighted several economic initiatives of the Federal Government aimed at creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and supporting long-term growth. These include interventions in agriculture, livestock development, solid minerals, infrastructure, education financing, consumer credit, and support for small businesses.

He described the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a landmark decision that will modernise livestock production, improve productivity, support pastoral and farming communities, and reduce conflicts associated with competition for natural resources.

“The ministry represents a strategic intervention in a sector with enormous potential for job creation, food security, export earnings, and national economic growth,” the Minister stated.

Idris also highlighted the Federal Government’s four Legacy Highway Projects — the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Calabar-Abuja Super Highway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Road Corridor — describing them as transformative investments that will strengthen national integration and unlock economic opportunities.

“These highways will improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs, expand access to markets, create jobs, and support the movement of agricultural produce and other goods. Beyond their economic value, they are investments in national unity,” he said.

The Minister further noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda is focused on creating opportunities for Nigerians through people-centred programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), and targeted support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

According to him, development programmes can only succeed when citizens understand them and actively participate in them, stressing the important role of traditional rulers in promoting public awareness and countering misinformation.

“In an age characterised by the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, traditional rulers remain among the most trusted leaders in our society. Your continued support in promoting truth, dialogue, tolerance, and responsible citizenship is essential to our collective progress,” he said.

The Minister expressed confidence that the meeting would generate practical recommendations that would further strengthen peace, deepen unity, and accelerate development across Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.

He also extended condolences to the Government and people of Katsina State, the traditional institution, and the family of the late retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing his death as a tragic loss to the nation.

“We mourn the loss of a distinguished patriot who served Nigeria with honour and dedication. His death is a painful reminder of the urgent need to sustain our collective efforts against insecurity,” the Minister said.

The meeting brought together traditional rulers, government officials, and key stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria to discuss strategies for promoting peace, unity, and development in the region.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar A. Namadi; Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin; Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi; the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Abubakar Maje; the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar; the Aku Uka of Kwararafa and paramount ruler of the Jukun people, Dr. Manu Ishaku Adda Ali (Matakhitswen I), alongside many other eminent traditional rulers and distinguished personalities from across the country.

In a related development, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Monday said the Federal Government was not taking the issue of terrorism lightly, declaring that the administration would continue to prosecute suspected terrorists to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

Fagbemi stated this at the commencement of a new phase of terrorism trials, involving hundreds of suspects facing terrorism-related charges.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the AGF said the ongoing proceedings underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle terrorism and other threats to national security.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials,” he said.

According to him, the latest proceedings represent the fourth phase of terrorism trials undertaken since the inception of the current administration.

“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated.

“We will fight with every inch of our blood to ensure that we make Nigeria a safe haven for everybody, ” he said.

The AGF disclosed that nearly 600 suspects would be tried during the current phase, with proceedings expected to continue over the coming days.

Providing a breakdown of the figures, he said, “For this phase, the ones we have today, we have about 490. Tomorrow we will have 84. But this 84 does not include the 102 that was brought forward from the last phase.

“So in total, we have 600 plus to contend with for this phase, and we have been assured by the honourable judges that they will do their utmost to ensure that they clear this number for this phase,” he said.

The mass trial is part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to prosecute individuals accused of terrorism, insurgency and related offences as part of a broader strategy to combat insecurity across the country.

Furthermore, the Kogi State Government has vowed to reclaim the state’s forests from criminal elements, Governor Ahmed Ododo has said.

Ododo made the declaration during a visit to the training camp of the newly recruited Forest Guard trainees on Sunday in Lokoja.

“There will be no safe haven for terrorists, bandits and other violent criminals operating within the state.

“We are determined to rid Kogi of criminal elements and we will deploy all lawful resources necessary to guarantee the safety of residents and visitors,” he said.

The governor urged the guards to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, patriotism and a strong commitment to service.

“The vast and largely unguarded forest areas in some parts of the state have become a major security challenge, providing hideouts for criminal groups and enabling attacks on innocent citizens.

“The recruitment and training of Forest Guards form a key component of the state’s security strategy, aimed at strengthening surveillance, denying criminals access to safe havens and improving the capacity of security agencies to respond effectively to threats,” he said.

Ododo said the initiative was part of the Forest Guard Programme approved by President Bola Tinubu and is being implemented through the Office of the National Security Adviser in collaboration with the Department of State Services and other security institutions.

He commended Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening national security and empowering states with innovative measures to tackle emerging security challenges.

The governor also expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for his support and leadership in advancing security reforms across the country.

Ododo further lauded the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, for supporting security operations in Kogi.

He noted that the DSS was overseeing the profiling and training of the Forest Guard recruits to ensure professionalism, competence and accountability.

The governor stressed that while his administration was committed to expanding security manpower, it remained focused on ensuring that only individuals of proven character, integrity and loyalty were entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property.

He expressed confidence in the trainees, describing them as a valuable addition to the state’s security architecture, and urged them to take their training seriously in preparation for the task ahead.

The visit to the training camp came a day after the governor inspected the first batch of Armoured Personnel Carriers procured by the state government to enhance the operational capacity and combat readiness of security agencies.

He reaffirmed that security remained a top priority of his administration and pledged sustained investment in personnel, equipment and intelligence-driven operations to make the state safer and more conducive for investment and development.

The governor assured residents that the government would continue to intensify efforts until all parts of the state were secured and citizens could pursue their lawful activities without fear.

NAN reports that President Tinubu on May 15 approved the nationwide Presidential Forest Guards Initiative to secure the country’s 1,129 designated forests and flush out terrorists, bandits and criminal gangs.

The programme is a joint security effort between the federal and state governments.