NSA seeks stronger community role in peacebuilding efforts

…says over 775 terrorism convictions

The Federal Government has commitment to building a nationwide, community-driven security framework, insisting that sustainable peace in Northern Nigeria requires “the duty of all, not the responsibility of a few.”

Speaking at the National Peace Committee Dialogue on a Whole-of-Society Approach to Preventing Violence and Conflict in Northern Nigeria, held in Abuja on Thursday, Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) said the initiative reflects growing consensus that security challenges can no longer be tackled by government alone.

The dialogue was convened by the National Peace Committee in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

In his remarks, the NSA praised the National Peace Committee, established in 2014 for its consistent role in promoting peaceful coexistence, strengthening democracy, and facilitating dialogue across communities.

He said the Tinubu administration has been championing inclusiveness, participation, and shared accountability in the fight against insecurity, adding that the whole-of-society model places citizens and institutions at the centre of conflict prevention.

“Lasting peace cannot be achieved by security agencies alone. It requires the active engagement of communities, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, youth and women’s groups, the private sector, development partners, and international organisations”, he said.

The NSA disclosed that the National Counter Terrorism Centre has been directed to intensify its Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) programmes across the country, with a renewed emphasis on community ownership, intelligence-sharing, and alignment with national development priorities.

He highlighted recent achievements, including the voluntary surrender of thousands of former insurgents and violent actors now undergoing rehabilitation, deradicalisation, and reintegration programmes.

According to him, communities that once distrusted government interventions are now actively providing information, supporting reintegration efforts, and strengthening local early-warning systems, an indication that the whole-of-society strategy is yielding results.

The NSA also revealed that terrorism-related prosecutions have secured over 775 convictions, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.

“These numbers represent lives restored and communities stabilised,” he said, emphasising that the judiciary, security agencies, and other stakeholders have been working collaboratively to achieve national security goals.

The NSA warned individuals and groups intent on spreading terror or exploiting vulnerable communities.

“The Nigerian State remains resolute in its commitment to law, order, and the protection of its citizens. The time for impunity has passed,” he declared, stressing that any threat to national unity would be met with decisive and coordinated action.

The NSA cautioned against complacency, urging participants to ensure that conversations at the dialogue translate into actionable, measurable strategies.

He underscored that sustainable peace and security require the full participation of communities, traditional leaders, civil society, women, youth, the private sector, and development partners.

Forums such as the Peace Committee Dialogue, he said, are helping deepen collaboration and build national resilience.

He expressed gratitude to the National Peace Committee, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, and international partners including the European Union and ECOWAS, whose technical support and engagement he described as vital for inclusive peacebuilding.

Closing his address, the NSA reiterated that the dialogue must lead to “measurable, sustainable, and impactful solutions” capable of delivering hope, stability, and progress across Northern Nigeria.

“This dialogue is more than a meeting; it is a call to action. Let us transform vision into lasting peace”, he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.