By Uche Onyeali
Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, in Nigeria are to host a national stakeholders summit on transborder crimes, terrorism, arms and human trafficking and smuggling.
The summit, scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja, will focus on ‘Border Fencing and Interagency Collaboration: The Panacea to Enhance Border Security and Sustainable Development’ as theme.
This was disclosed at a world press conference on Monday in Abuja.
In a statement at the conference signed by the Director-General, National Council For Civil Society Organisations, NACCSO; Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, 1st Vice President, West African Action Network on Small Arms, WAANSA; Comrade Martin Igwe, President,
Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, CSGGG, Chief Ogagwu Dominic, and Comrade Opanchi Jacob, the CSOs commended the military for the recent Jilli Market airstrike targeting insurgents who had turned the area into a conclave for their anti-social operations, calling for continued support to win the war against terrorism.
The organisations also announced a landmark partnership with the Federal Ministry of Defence to successfully host the summit.
“Transborder crimes, including terrorism, arms trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s security and economic development.
“These illicit activities exploit our porous borders, undermining national stability and prosperity,” statement noted.
The CSOs believe that effective border fencing, coupled with robust interagency collaboration, could significantly reduce these crimes and promote sustainable development.
“The summit will bring together stakeholders to share best practices, identify gaps in current measures and recommend solutions to address transborder crimes. Keynote addresses, panel discussions and interactive sessions will focus on border security, interagency collaboration and sustainable development.
We commend the Minister of Defence, General CG Musa (rtd) for his proactive leadership and commitment in ensuring peace and unity in Nigeria. We also pass a vote of confidence on the military and other security gencies, expressing our full support for their efforts to secure our nation.
We take cognisance of the recent airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force in Jilli market, Borno State, targeting a notorious Boko Haram hub.
As reported by Governor Babagana Zulum, Jilli market has been confirmed as a hub for Boko Haram insurgents and their logistics suppliers. We echo the governor’s warning against aiding or harboring terrorists and urge all Nigerians to support our security forces.
We reiterate our support for the military and security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. The CSOs urge all Nigerians and the international community to continue supporting our security forces in this critical war against insurgency.
In the light of this, we reaffirm our recommendation for ‘Operation Gun-down Terrorists and other Criminal Elements’ as a drastic approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria. We believe that with sustained efforts and collaboration, we can overcome this menace and build a safer and more secure Nigeria.
“The impact of this programme will be significant, leading to enhanced border security, reduced transborder crimes and improved sustainable development. We call on all stakeholders, including security agencies, government officials, CSOs and the general public to partner with us in this initiative. Together, we can make a difference and build a more secure and prosperous Nigeria,” the CSOs noted.
According to the statement, the programme will feature prominent speakers, including keynote address by a renowned expert on border security; panel discussions on interagency collaboration and sustainable development and interactive sessions on border security management and community engagement.
The organisations, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to be part of the summit.