A 2-day security Summit organized for Federal and States Security Administrators in Nigeria has been flagged off by Abia Governor, Dr Alex Otti.
The Summit which provides participants opportunity to critically examine and share practical experiences on security issues from across states as well as develop actionable recommendations to strengthen collective response to security attracted the presence of various security Agencies in the country and Top government officials.
Declaring the event open at the International Conference Center Ogurube layout Umuahia, Governor Otti solicited the incorporation of Community watch mechanisms to complement the fight against terrorism and banditry among others.
The Governor pointed out that as activities for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, there is need for the constitution of an inter-agency consultative Committee on Election Security which will be saddled with the responsibility of ensuring peace, order and conduct of free,fair and credible elections across the country.
He equally called for synergy and collaboration among stakeholders including security agencies,INEC , political actors and relevant institutions as well as efforts to curb activities of hoodlums and political thugs who often seek to disrupt campaigns , intimidate voters and undermine political and democratic results.
Governor Otti described the conference as a strategic convergence aimed at deepening coordination, intelligence sharing and institutional synergy between federal and state authorities, and demanded strengthened joint planning frameworks, rapid response mechanisms and structured communication channels among agencies.
While stressing the need to leverage technology, data integration and measurable performance indicators in security administration, the Governor made it clear that modern security challenges require predictive systems, early warning structures and community-based intelligence.
He therefore urged participants to ensure that deliberations at the conference produced practical, measurable outcomes capable of enhancing national stability.
Presenting an address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, Mr Mohammed Danjuma, called for improved security coordination and early preparation to ensure credible and peaceful 2027 general elections.
According to him the strategic move has become necessary as political activities such as voter registration, party primaries and campaigns were expected to commence soon, recalling that the Federal Government established the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in 2015 to ensure peaceful, free and credible elections.
The SGF described the hosting of the meeting in the South-East as a reflection of the improved security situation in the zone, noting that the region was gradually regaining its position as a hub for entrepreneurship, commerce and trade.
In his remarks , the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by his Special Adviser on Governance and Sub-national Liaison, Mr Asishana Okauru, reaffirmed the Federal government’s commitment to closer collaboration with states to enhance national security architecture and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve interagency cooperation through the monthly Joint Intelligence Board meetings and the recently established Forum of National and Sub-National Security Officials (FONSU).
Mallam Ribadu explained that through FONSU, all 36 states and the FCT have nominated senior security focal persons to promote intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and best practices nationwide and commended initiatives that promote inclusive governance and social protection.
In an interview with newsmen, the Co-Chairman of the FSSAM and the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Borno State, Prof. Usman Tar, noted that the meeting that commenced es in the 1990s, brought together representatives of security agencies, the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to assess threats to national security and territorial integrity.
