The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has called on security agencies in the country to adopt a holistic and forward-looking approach that addresses the causes of security challenges confronting Nigeria.
The NSA added that it has become incumbent on them to reflect on the evolving nature of the security threats and identify innovative strategies as well as the needed partnership that would help to effectively overcome the scourge.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the Head of Strategic Communication, Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari Mijinyawa, Ribadu spoke during a UK-Nigeria Security Defence Partnership Dialogue in Abuja.
The statement quoted him as saying, “Our dialogue must be guided by a shared commitment to promoting regional stability, countering violent extremism, and enhancing resilience against emerging non-traditional security challenges confronting our nations.
“In response, it is imperative that we adopt a holistic and forward-looking approach that leverages the full spectrum of our respective capabilities and expertise.
“Moreover, the nexus between security and development remains intrinsic to our collective efforts to foster sustainable peace and prosperity.
“It is imperative that we adopt a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses the causes of insecurity, promotes inclusive economic growth, and empowers marginalided communities to build societies resilient to exploitation and revitalisation.”
The NSA emphasised the importance of nurturing the next generation of security and defence leaders through enhanced collaboration in education, training, and professional development initiatives.
“As we confront the complex challenges of the 21st Century particularly with the advent of artificial intelligence and robotics, investing in human capital and cultivating a culture of innovation and excellence are paramount to ensuring the long-term resilience and effectiveness of our security institutions, ” the NSA added.
Ribadu said the dialogue also provides a unique opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation across a wide spectrum of security domains, including defence capacity building, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security.
The UK National Security Adviser, Tim Barrow, represented by his Deputy, Dame Sarah Macintosh, said the UK operates in a relationship of mutual respect and supportiveness and shares a determination to make its contributions separately and together to a better world and peace, security, stability and prosperity at all.
He said the two countries can through this security and defence partnership and dialogue, advance those shared objectives and deepen partnership and friendship to build on their national security.
“The UK is fully committed to our friendship and partnership with Nigeria and we thank you for your commitment to that partnership there too and I’m personally delighted to be part of strengthening and deepening it through this dialogue.
“As security challenges around the world grow, it has become increasingly crucial to support our allies to uphold regional and international peace.“
Many citizens are expressing concern about the country’s insecurity, with a widespread call for a state of emergency.
Civil society groups, under the aegis of the Civil Society Joint Action Group, stated that no fewer than 2,423 persons had been killed, while 1,872 others had been abducted in the last eight months.