As security threats grow more complex in Nigeria, Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is advocating stronger coordination and timely intervention.
He made the call on Tuesday at the Kogi State Security Summit and N500 billion trust fund-raising in Abuja, represented by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu.
Shettima said nations must anticipate threats before they escalate, stressing that effective security management requires collective vigilance.
He commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for convening the summit, describing it as a demonstration of urgency and commitment to protecting lives and property.
“Kogi State occupies a strategic position as a gateway between regions … with significant security responsibilities that require careful planning”, he said.
The Vice President noted that Nigeria’s security challenges stem from years of neglect, economic pressures, communal tensions and crime, warning that threats are becoming more organised.
He reaffirmed security as a top priority under President Bola Tinubu, adding that efforts are ongoing to strengthen intelligence, inter-agency collaboration and peace-building.
He said initiatives like the summit support federal efforts through community participation and institutional partnerships, while revealing plans to establish logistics bases across the state to improve rapid response.
Shettima urged stakeholders to work together, stressing that security is a shared responsibility, and expressed hope the summit would serve as a model for proactive leadership.
In his remarks, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding lives and property, describing security as the foundation of development.
He said rising threats such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and cybercrime require more coordinated responses, while acknowledging the contributions of former Governor Yahaya Bello and federal support.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Police Nasir Kankarfi called for better use of development frameworks to enhance funding and deploy modern security technology.
The summit drew governors, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders.
