The Civil Society Coalition on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI) has called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and other intelligence agencies to urgently involve Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs), and traditional rulers in developing sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s escalating insecurity.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Kunle Yusuff, CSCHEI said that a holistic, grassroots-driven approach is needed to tackle the root causes of violence and insecurity plaguing communities nationwide.
“The recent attacks in Plateau, Benue, Kwara, and Niger states highlight the urgent need for a communal solution to insecurity. It’s time to go beyond military interventions and embrace the wealth of local knowledge and peacebuilding expertise within our communities,” Yusuff stated.
He stressed the critical importance of building trust between citizens and the government, adding that CSOs, FBOs, and traditional institutions possess deep community reach that can help drive dialogue, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding at the grassroots level.
CSCHEI recommended a multi-stakeholder strategy that includes: “Enhancing community engagement and trust-building, “promoting non-violent dialogue and reconciliation mechanisms, supporting grassroots peacebuilding and development programs, fostering a culture of tolerance and mutual respect.
The organisation warned that if the government fails to adopt inclusive and locally driven strategies, insecurity could continue destabilising regions and hindering foreign investment, a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s economic strategy.
“We urge the NSA and all security institutions to work hand-in-hand with accredited civil society actors. The safety and well-being of Nigerians must rise above partisan and bureaucratic interests,” Yusuff said.
He reiterated CSCHEI’s readiness to support the Federal Government in developing long-term, people-centred approaches to national security.
“Only through unity and inclusive engagement can we build a safer, more stable Nigeria for all,” the statement added.
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