The National Coalition Against Insecurity (NACAI) has pledged to work with security agencies to reduce areas of conflict in the country.

The founder and national coordinator of the coalition, Okolie Sadiq, said in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja that they would adopt a strategic response and interface with stakeholders to enhance peace and security in Nigeria.

Mr Sadiq said the coalition was founded on the principle of supporting security agencies and ensuring peaceful coexistence in the country.

“Over the years, insecurity has manifested as militancy, religious fundamentalism, secession, herdsmen attacks, and recently, kidnapping across the country.

“The state of insecurity continued to increase on a daily basis, thus stretching the patience and efforts of our traditional security agencies and their auxiliary agencies.

“With the advent of a new administration, there are persuasions to seek synergy between her and other security agencies in order to create a viable impact in the fight against insecurity, irrespective of its shape or shade.

“It is the desire of NACAI that the President Tinubu-led administration succeeds, and to achieve this, insecurity, a hydra-headed monster, must not only be tamed but eliminated.

“We, therefore, consciously extend our hand of fellowship to all the security agencies in Nigeria for the formation of a more formidable front, armed with best practices and accurate local intelligence for the tackling of the menace,’’ Mr Sadiq said.

According to him, the membership of NACAI spreads across the length and breadth of the country, gathering information from the grassroots as it affects security.

He further explained that NACAI intends to leverage this aspect of her strategy to make a difference and provide veritable anchor in the fight against insecurity in the country.

“Securing Nigeria may be the paramount obligation of the security agencies, but the ordinary citizens of the country with special skills and knowledge are also obligated to lend a helping hand because securing a nation is the bedrock of patriotism,” the coordinator said.

On the coup in Niger Republic, Mr Sadiq said democracy must not be allowed to be derailed anywhere in Africa.

“We also want to join ECOWAS in condemning the coup d’état in the neighbouring Niger Republic for obvious reasons. Democracy has come to stay and must be thoroughly nurtured in Africa to enhance development in every area,’’ Mr Sadiq said.

Meanwhile, the national secretary of the coalition, Dakum Bala, a legal practitioner, said they are concerned about the security of border communities.

“There is a need to enhance intelligence sharing among the different government security agencies, including citizens at the grassroots across the country, including border communities.

“There is the need to use advanced technology in addressing security, and if you are using a method that is not working, the best thing to do is to find another means of making it work.

“Political will in addressing security is major, funding too is very important but internal arrangement is also necessary to solve the insecurity in the country.

“Our strategy includes, community and town hall meetings with stakeholders, traditional rulers, and warring parties, asking the root cause of the matter. I believe when we listen to everybody, we will achieve a lot,’’ Mr Bala said.

(NAN)