Stakeholders from civil society organisations and security agencies have advocated the adoption of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in addressing conflicts and crises in the country.
The country director, International Alert, Nigeria, Mr Paul Bemshima-Nyulaku, made the call during a two-day national stability dialogue with the theme: “On Setting Priorities For Peace, Security and Stability #Accessing Stability“ organised by International Alert Nigeria in collaboration with UK International Development amongst others in Abuja yesterday.
Bemshima-Nyulaku said the spate of insecurity and threat to the lives and properties of people in Nigeria has obviously reached an alarming state in various communities.
The gathering featured high-ranking dignitaries, including representatives from the National Security Adviser, government officials, members of Parliament, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Air Force, ECOWAS Commission, British High Commission, National Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), National Stability Dialogue (NSD), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the National Early Warning Centre of the Vice President, Security Governance Initiative (SGI), and international development partners, among others.
Also, the acting director of the Early Warning Directorate at the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Onyinye Onwuka, reiterated the commitment to coordinated responses between the federal government and ECOWAS to enhance data collection and analysis for peace and security in the region.
She emphasised the goal of breaking cycles of violence and building sustainable peace through collaboration with those directly affected by conflict, policy shaping, and violence prevention.
Onwuka pointed out that recent security challenges have prompted a reevaluation of government strategies, with many stakeholders and security experts advocating for a non-kinetic approach.
Traditional leaders were urged to cooperate with security agencies, and citizens were encouraged to provide information to help combat criminal activities.
Onwuka concluded by underscoring the importance of traditional institutions in preserving cultures, traditions, values, and promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse citizens.
