By Angela Atabo
Project 774 Network says it will convene a National Citizens’ Stakeholders’ Engagement on Countering Terrorism and Insecurity to mobilise Nigerians to play a more active role in supporting national security efforts.
The National Secretary of Project 774 Network and Secretary of the Planning Committee, retired DIG Mohammed Gumel, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to Gumel, the summit with theme ”Our Security, Our Duty,” seeks to promote collaboration between citizens and security institutions as Nigeria continues to grapple with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He said the initiative was conceived in response to the country’s evolving security challenges and the need for greater citizen participation in safeguarding communities.
Gumel said that while the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies and other security institutions continue to make significant sacrifices in protecting the nation, sustainable security requires active support from citizens.
“The timing is informed by the realities confronting our nation. Our security personnel are working tirelessly, often under very difficult conditions, to keep Nigeria safe. As citizens, we have a duty to support those efforts.
“This summit provides a platform for government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society, academia, development partners and ordinary citizens to discuss practical ways of strengthening collaboration.
“It is not a political rally or a protest. It is a patriotic national engagement aimed at supporting Nigeria’s security architecture and promoting citizen participation in peace and security.”
Gumel said that unlike previous security conferences that largely focused on government interventions, the engagement would examine the role citizens could play in preventing insecurity.
This, he said, was by encouraging lawful intelligence sharing, vigilance and stronger community participation.
“Communities are often the first to notice emerging threats. Parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, women associations, transport operators and professional bodies all possess knowledge and influence that can contribute to national security.
“Security works best when government and citizens work together,” he noted.
Gumel said the summit would also seek to demonstrate national solidarity with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.
He added that it would advance the Federal Government’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to addressing insecurity.
The National Secretary said that other objectives include fostering collaboration among government institutions, security agencies and critical stakeholders.
He added that others are promoting patriotism and civic responsibility, and generating practical recommendations for strengthening security across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.
Gumel dismissed suggestions that the initiative has political undertones, insisting that security remained a national concern that transcended political, religious and ethnic differences.
“This initiative is entirely non-partisan and is solely intended to support national security efforts through stronger cooperation between citizens and security institutions,” he said.
He said that the Office of the National Security Adviser is expected to play a leading role during the engagement by providing strategic insights into the Federal Government’s security vision and reinforcing the importance of inter-agency collaboration and citizen participation.
He said that expected outcomes of the summit include the adoption of the Abuja Citizens’ Declaration on National Security and the issuance of a conference communiqué.
The National secretary said that others included the practical recommendations for improving citizen participation in national security, enhanced collaboration between communities and security agencies.
He said it also included the establishment of a sustainable framework for promoting responsible citizenship nationwide.
Gumel called on government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, professional associations, development partners, the organised private sector and all Nigerians to participate in the summit.
“Together, by embracing unity, patriotism and shared responsibility, we can strengthen national security, reinforce public confidence in our institutions and build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria for present and future generations.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Halima Sheji