When The South-east Is Secure, Nigeria Is Stronger – Idris
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that lasting peace and security in the South-East are critical to Nigeria’s unity, economic growth and national development.
The Minister stated this on Thursday at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State.
“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,” the Minister said.
Speaking on the theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” Idris said security requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach involving governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society and citizens.
He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protecting lives and property through improved intelligence sharing, stronger inter-agency coordination, better equipment for security agencies and international partnerships. “The Federal Government remains fully committed to ensuring that every community across the South-East enjoys lasting peace and security. Security is the foundation for investment, education, agriculture and economic prosperity,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, digital skills and support for small businesses, describing them as critical components of the administration’s security strategy.
He urged citizens to reject misinformation and support efforts to strengthen grassroots policing through ongoing constitutional reforms on State Police. “Peace is more than the absence of conflict. It is the presence of justice, opportunity, inclusion and hope. Together, we must reject division and work to build communities founded on trust and shared prosperity,” Idris stated.
Delivering the goodwill message of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, said the National Assembly remains committed to providing the legislative support required to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and promote lasting peace across the country.
He stressed that addressing insecurity requires strong partnerships among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society and citizens. “No nation has ever secured itself through isolated efforts; security succeeds where partnerships flourish,” he said, adding that the Senate would continue to support initiatives that enhance national unity, economic development and regional stability.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, called for stronger regional cooperation and institutional reforms to address evolving security challenges 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. He reaffirmed the commitment of the House of Representatives to supporting legislative and constitutional reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, described security as the bedrock of development and prosperity, saying no meaningful progress can be achieved in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. “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,” Governor Otti said.
He also emphasised the need to create economic opportunities for young people, strengthen intelligence sharing and tackle the root causes of crime to consolidate peace and promote regional development.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa (Rtd), said the Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians through sustained investments in the Armed Forces and other security agencies. “Security is not solely the responsibility of the Armed Forces or the Police; it is a shared responsibility that requires the collective commitment of government, communities and every patriotic citizen,” General Musa said.
He added that enhanced training, modern equipment, improved intelligence gathering and stronger inter-agency collaboration are strengthening the nation’s security response.
Among those in attendance were the President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; representatives of the Governors of Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo States; the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd); traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of security agencies, lawmakers, civil society organisations, and other distinguished stakeholders from across the South-East.
