FROM MANKO PETERS (JOS)
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has blamed the recent surge in terrorism activities in the country to the porous borders which he said must be fenced thoroughly
General Musa, who made the call on Thursday during the official launch of the Presidential Community Engagement Peace Initiative and North Central Peace Summit in Jos, Plateau State, said that Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be solved by military intervention alone, but require a comprehensive, collaborative strategy rooted in justice, good governance, and community engagement.
He emphasized the need to fence the nation’s porous borders and the creation of a national database for citizens and foreigners to improve intelligence gathering and curb the movement of terrorists and transnational criminals.
“Insecurity cannot be resolved through military force alone. It requires a multi-pronged approach that includes good governance, justice, equity, and community involvement. When people feel safe, heard, and treated fairly, society thrives. Without fairness and justice, security efforts will remain limited,” the CDS stated.
He further called on Nigerian political leaders to focus on good governance and decisive and responsible leadership, adding that the military remains committed to supporting all lawful efforts aimed at securing the country.
In his remarks, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ephraim Usman, reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to grassroots peacebuilding. He noted that sustainable peace must be community-driven and locally sustained.
The summit was organized by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Mrs. Abiodun Essiet, and aimed to foster unity and proactive conflict resolution strategies in the region.
Essiet highlighted that peace is foundational to development and called on residents of the North Central to embrace Nigeria’s ethnic and cultural diversity as a strength rather than a source of division.