The Abia State Government on Thursday hosted the maiden South-East Regional Security Summit in Umuahia, bringing together top federal officials, governors, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to chart a united course against insecurity in the region.
The summit, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, focused on addressing security threats that cut across state boundaries through enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and stronger community engagement.
Declaring the summit open, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, described the gathering as a platform to strengthen collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and local communities in restoring peace and promoting regional stability.
He said participants would deliberate on practical measures to improve inter-state security cooperation, intelligence gathering and community policing as part of efforts to tackle insecurity across the South-East.
In his address, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the summit’s theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthen Security and Regional Stability,” as timely and relevant to the region’s security needs.
Governor Otti said his administration has significantly reduced crime through sustained investment in surveillance technology, improved welfare and incentives for security personnel, and public enlightenment campaigns. He also stressed the need to identify and prosecute individuals involved in supplying illicit drugs, illegal arms and providing shelter for criminals.
The governor noted that the summit was particularly important as the country approaches another election season, expressing optimism that resolutions reached would help curb political violence and create a peaceful environment for democratic participation across the region.
In separate goodwill messages, the governors of Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo states, represented by their deputies and senior government officials, reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies and community leaders to improve security across the South-East.
Also speaking, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, said insecurity must not be allowed to undermine the South-East’s economic potential, stressing that peace and stability are critical to attracting investment and driving sustainable development.
He advocated the deployment of modern security technology and stronger partnerships among governments, security agencies and local communities to effectively combat crime.
Other speakers, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, emphasized the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, community policing and regional cooperation to achieve lasting peace.
The summit also featured a presentation on the security situation in the South-East by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and attracted dignitaries from across the country.
