The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has advocated the integration of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s security framework to combat the escalating insecurity in the country.
The national coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, at a press conference yesterday in Abuja, said traditional rulers can play pivotal roles in addressing security challenges across Nigeria.
Sheriff, who noted the unique position of traditional leaders as custodians of culture and traditions within their domains, said their intimate knowledge of local environments makes them well-suited to spearhead security initiatives in collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
“The engagement of traditional rulers in securing their respective territories is crucial to effectively curbing insecurity,” Sheriff stated.
He said empowering traditional rulers to safeguard lives and property within their jurisdictions would significantly mitigate security threats.
Pointing to the pervasive presence of criminal elements within local communities, Sheriff said traditional rulers need to be actively involved in combating various forms of violence, including political unrest.
“To address the security challenges facing our nation, traditional rulers must be empowered with the resources and authority necessary to protect their kingdoms,” Sheriff asserted, advocating for the allocation of security funds to support their efforts.
He called on President Bola Tinubu to take proactive measures to integrate traditional rulers into the national security agenda, noting the urgency of their involvement in national security efforts to effectively address the prevailing insecurity across Nigeria.
