From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Security experts, analysts, and media practitioners have expressed confidence in Governor Nasir Idris’s initiatives to combat armed banditry in Nigeria, citing his proactive strategies and stakeholder engagements as critical in tackling the menace.
The summit, jointly organized by the Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum and the Kebbi State Government, aimed to address existential threats and national security challenges facing the country.
Opening the event, Governor Idris said his administration had consistently engaged critical stakeholders in consultations, invested resources, and implemented both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to restore security and facilitate the return of displaced communities.
“While progress has been made, armed bandits continue to move through the state, and this requires sustained, collaborative efforts from all security stakeholders,” he noted.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazau, commended the governor’s initiatives and particularly praised the practice of stakeholder consultations as a model for other states.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who has visited Kebbi State three times in the last two months, pledged continued support for Governor Idris’s security efforts. “I will contribute meaningfully to any event that strengthens our fight against insecurity,” the Sultan said.
Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Yelwa, Chairman of the Broadcast Media Practitioners Forum, highlighted that the summit reflects Governor Idris’s commitment to high-level engagement with the Nigerian community in finding practical solutions to insecurity.
He said Kebbi was chosen due to its innovative approach, combining strategic dialogues, collaborative governance, and comprehensive security interventions.
Renowned security experts and analysts presented papers on governance and security challenges, offering recommendations to further strengthen anti-banditry efforts. Notable speakers included Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission; Major-General Kuka Sheka, former Director of Information, Nigerian Army; Dr. Yahuza Getso; Professor Umar Pate, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashere; and Mr. Samuel Aruwan, former Kaduna State Commissioner for Security.
The summit concluded with a consensus that coordinated action, continuous dialogue, and data-driven security policies remain critical to tackling armed banditry and safeguarding communities across the region.