South-East Security Key to Nigeria’s Future, Tinubu’s Minister Declares at High-Level Summit

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has declared that lasting peace in the South-East is essential to Nigeria’s unity, economic prosperity and democratic stability, insisting that the nation’s strength depends on the security of every region.
Speaking on Thursday at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit in Umuahia, Abia State, Idris said a peaceful South-East would translate into a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
“When the South-East is secure, Nigeria is stronger. When every region enjoys peace, our democracy flourishes. And when we stand together as one people, united by a common destiny, no force can diminish the promise of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Addressing participants on the theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” the minister stressed that tackling insecurity requires a united effort involving governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and citizens.
Idris reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to protecting lives and property through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, better equipment and stronger international partnerships.
According to him, the Federal Government is also investing heavily in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, digital skills and support for small businesses, describing these initiatives as vital components of its long-term security strategy.
He urged Nigerians to reject misinformation and support ongoing constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening grassroots policing through the proposed State Police system.
“Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, opportunity, inclusion and hope. Together, we must reject division and build communities founded on trust and shared prosperity,” Idris added.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, assured participants that the National Assembly would continue providing legislative backing to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
He noted that sustainable security can only be achieved through strong partnerships among government institutions, security agencies, traditional leaders, civil society groups and the public.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, called for stronger regional cooperation and institutional reforms to address evolving security threats in the South-East.
“The time has come to move from dialogue to implementation. Security cannot be achieved through force alone; it requires collaboration, community trust and collective responsibility,” Kalu said.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti described security as the foundation of development, warning that meaningful progress cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and violence.
“We cannot afford to surrender this great land and its people to the forces of insecurity. Security is the foundation upon which all our hopes for development and prosperity rest,” the governor stated.
He also advocated expanded economic opportunities for young people, improved intelligence sharing and measures to address the root causes of crime across the region.
Also speaking, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), said the Federal Government remains committed to protecting Nigerians through sustained investments in the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
He stressed that national security is a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of government, communities and citizens, adding that improved training, modern equipment, intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation are strengthening Nigeria’s security response.
The summit attracted top government officials, including representatives of the governors of Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of security agencies, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders from across the South-East.