President Bola Tinubu is fully committed to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and restoring stability across the country, particularly in the North-West, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru said on Saturday.

Mr Badaru delivered the president’s goodwill message at the North-West Zonal Security Summit in Kaduna, organised by the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on National Security Summit, with the theme “Building Robust Regional Collaborations to Tackle Insecurity: Pathways for Securing the Future.”

The minister said the administration remained focused on the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises national unity, community resilience, and a security system that treats all citizens with dignity and equality.

He stated that joint operations by the armed forces and security agencies had reopened major routes across Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kebbi, while markets and farming activities had steadily resumed in several previously affected communities.

“Many villages that were displaced have returned, schools once closed due to attacks have reopened, and farmers are back on their fields with improved security support,” he said.

Mr Badaru, however, acknowledged lingering threats posed by bandits, terror cells, and organised criminal groups, warning that attackers continue to adapt their tactics despite pressure from security forces.

He cited the recent school abductions in Niger and Kebbi, as well as the church abduction in Kwara, adding that while victims in Kwara and Kebbi had regained freedom, efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining abductees.

The minister said the president has directed the military to “clear all indicators of insecurity” and to deepen inter-agency synergy, intelligence fusion, and the protection of schools and rural communities.

Mr Badaru highlighted the government’s ongoing deployment of new bases and tactical brigades, including the National Mission Force Brigade in Samaru Kataf and the 18 Brigade Tactical Headquarters in Tegina.

He said all these efforts were aimed at strengthening the rapid response capability across the North-West and North-Central regions.

Mr Badaru stressed that military action alone cannot secure the region, describing national security as a collective responsibility.

“Defence is only one side of the coin. Sustainable peace requires the participation of governors, traditional rulers, youth groups, women, civil society and every citizen,” he said.

He commended state governments for establishing complementary security outfits, such as the Community Protection Guard in Zamfara and the Community Watch Corps in Katsina, which he described as “force multipliers” when coordinated with the military.

The minister also expressed concern over youth recruitment by criminal networks, saying the federal government was countering the trend through initiatives such as the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund and the Three Million Technical Talent Programme.

“Our youths must be equipped with skills and opportunities so they build the future of this region rather than fall to those who wish to destroy it,” he added.

Earlier in his welcome address, Babangida Hussaini, chairman of the organising committee, said the Senate convened the summit to address the “increasing and alarming” levels of insecurity in the region.

He said the North-West remained the hardest hit by banditry, kidnappings, mass displacement, forced labour, cross-border threats, and environmental vulnerabilities.

Mr Hussaini said the summit was structured to reflect the complex security realities in the zone and to generate practical solutions ahead of the National Security Summit scheduled for Abuja on December 1.

The senator expressed deep appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for providing “overwhelming support” and unprecedented personal involvement in the organisation of the summit.

Delegates from across the North-West, including security chiefs, traditional rulers, clerics, civil society, youth groups, and community leaders, participated in the one-day meeting.

(NAN)