ABUJA — Professor Okey Ibamu of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), says there are over a hundred bandits’ groups operating in the North West region, representing approximately 30,000 militants.
He told State Governors at an event in Abuja, that this is contained in the Centre’s security report, calling for an increase in the capability of security authorities.
“These groups are made up of foreigners who have entered the country through porous borders in order to pervert the peaceful growth of the country,” he said.
The Nigeria Governors Forum, in collaboration with CDD, on Thursday, began deliberations on how to end the insurgency.
This follows the finding of Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle of Zamafara State, who revealed this figure in 2021.
The discussion addressed security concerns in the 6 geopolitical zones, as well as the responsibility of security agencies in managing insecurity across states.
Speaking, the Governor of Ekiti State and chairman of the forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, expressed concern on the rising incidence of insecurity and called on non-state actors to assist in providing a long-term solution to the problem.
“Following the launch of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Peace and Inclusive Security Initiative (PISI) in July 2021, the NGF is making efforts to create a forum to share ideas on how every stakeholder can contribute to the work of restoring peace and security of the nation”. Fayemi said.
The Governor called on stakeholders to express their opinions and offer policy recommendations on issues related to insecurity.
In a remark the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laign represented by Mr Jonathan Bacon commended the Governors for the initiative and pledged to strengthen their security collaboration.
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