Kontagora: The Commander, Corps of Artillery, Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar, has called for a robust synergy amongst stakeholders to tackle insecurity in Niger. He made this appeal during a maiden security and stakeholders' meeting held at the Military Cantonment in Kontagora, Niger, highlighting the need for unity and collective action to address the security challenges affecting the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abubakar emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and urged all parties to work together, regardless of their backgrounds, to restore peace in their communities. He noted that peace is essential for any meaningful development and stressed the importance of credible and timely intelligence sharing among stakeholders to counter criminal activities.
The meeting aimed to provide a platform for collaboration, build mutual trust, foster community engagement, and promote inter-agency cooperation. Abubakar called on religious leaders to intensify prayers for peace and urged local government chairmen and community leaders to continuously support security agencies. He also encouraged residents to provide credible information to security agencies to help dismantle bandit networks.
The Speaker of Niger House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, commended the corps commander for the initiative, describing the meeting as unprecedented in Kontagora. He expressed confidence that the forum would strengthen ties among stakeholders and enhance operational synergy. Sarkin-Daji highlighted the complex nature of insecurity in the state, including kidnappings, cattle rustling, and communal clashes, and urged for strong political will to combat these issues.
Maj.-Gen. John Sokoya, Commander of the Nigerian Army Training Centre, called for improved cooperation between communities and security forces, reiterating the need for timely intelligence to prevent and respond to threats. Retired Maj.-Gen. Salisu Sa'id also urged residents to avoid collusion with criminals and assist security agencies with credible information.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the meeting was attended by dignitaries from Rijau, Mariga, and Kontagora communities, as well as serving and retired military personnel, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political figures, and representatives from various security agencies.