CSOs Partner with Ministry of Defence to Address Transborder Crimes in Nigeria
A delegation of credible Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny has paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Defence, General CG Musa rtd, OFR, to seek partnership in addressing transborder crimes, a major factor contributing to terrorism and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.
The Joint Civil Society Organisations, comprising National Council For Civil Society Organisations, West African Action Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, Vision-One Leadership Development Initiative, Young Women Initiative For Peace and Productivity, and Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, among others, are committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Defence to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.
In his remark, the Honourable Minister of Defence, General CG Musa rtd, expressed gratitude to the CSOs for their commitment to advocating against crimes in Nigeria. He emphasized that the involvement and collaboration of every Nigerian is crucial in the fight against insecurity, acknowledging the importance of interagency collaboration and appreciating the great efforts of CSOs in tackling insecurity.
Musa highlighted that information and intelligence sharing remains key to addressing insecurity, calling for partnership to win the war against insecurity. “The Ministry of Defence is committed to working with CSOs and other stakeholders to ensure the security and prosperity of Nigeria,” he said.
Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, leader of the delegation, emphasized the need for Nigerians to come together to support the military and other security agencies in tackling insecurity. He stated that the military needs the support of Nigerians in areas of information and patriotism to eliminate crime in Nigeria.
Johnny sought partnership with the Ministry of Defence to host the forthcoming National Stakeholders and Civil Society Summit on Border Security, themed “Border Fencing and Interagency Collaboration: the Panacea to Enhance Border Security and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.” He passed a vote of confidence on the Honourable Minister of Defence, assuring him of the CSOs’ continued support and solidarity.
Chief Ogagwu Dominic, President of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, disclosed that addressing hunger and poverty is crucial to tackling insecurity, stating that hunger is a major driver of crime. The First Vice President of West African Action Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Igwe Martins, commended the Honourable Minister of Defence for his focus and commitment to fighting insecurity, urging him to continue engaging CSOs and community leaders.
The CSOs delegation also called on Nigerians to support the Minister of Defence in his efforts to secure the nation, urging those sabotaging his efforts to desist.
The National Stakeholders and Civil Society Summit on Border Security is scheduled to hold soon, bringing together stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing border security and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.
The summit aims to promote synergy among security agencies, CSOs, and other stakeholders to address transborder crimes and enhance national security.
