Nigeria Pledges to Defeat Terrorism as Leaders Caution Against Arming Communities.

By Zainab Uzomah

Nigeria has vowed to confront rising insecurity across the country, as government and religious leaders emphasised the need for collective action over militarisation. Speaking at a national dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu insisted that terrorism and banditry will be defeated and criminal groups will not be allowed to destabilise the nation.

The event, organised by the National Peace Committee, the Kukah Centre, and the Office of the National Security Adviser, brought together security officials, religious and traditional leaders, and community representatives to discuss strategies for preventing violence in northern Nigeria. Ribadu stressed that while military operations are necessary, they alone cannot secure lasting peace. He urged citizens to cooperate with authorities and highlighted recent successes, including 775 terrorism-related convictions, describing each as “a life restored and a community stabilised.”

Ribadu warned against complacency, stating that lasting security depends on turning dialogue into “concrete, measurable actions” that rebuild trust and resilience in communities. He paid tribute to Nigeria’s security personnel, who continue to operate in “extremely challenging circumstances,” and called for continued support from religious and traditional leaders. He also underscored Nigeria’s unique position as the only functioning democracy in the Sahel, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights.

However, the dialogue also highlighted the limits of militarisation. Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, cautioned that arming communities to defend themselves against terrorists and bandits provides only a false sense of security. “The scale and depth of insecurity show we have hit rock bottom, and the only way left is upwards,” Kukah said. He questioned what would happen to weapons handed to civilians once peace is restored, warning that guns cannot replace long-term solutions.

Kukah stressed that Nigeria’s insecurity is rooted in deep societal challenges, including unstable homes, fragmented communities, and weakened moral foundations—factors that create fertile ground for criminals and extremists. He urged citizens of all faiths and ethnicities to unite in confronting insecurity, describing peace as “the collective work of all of us.”

The cleric also highlighted the importance of inclusive governance and the role of women in peacebuilding. He argued that peace begins at the individual, family, and community levels and called on government, religious, and traditional leaders to act with humility, courage, and transparency. “When communities resolve their own disputes,” he said, “the need for armed deployment is significantly reduced.”

The dialogue marked a renewed effort to bring together multiple stakeholders to address insecurity through a “whole-of-society” approach, combining government action, community engagement, and the protection of human rights. Both Ribadu and Kukah emphasised that Nigeria’s path to lasting peace lies in collective responsibility, trust-building, and a commitment to justice—rather than reliance on weapons or short-term security measures.