Insecurity: Group Cautions Against Blame Game, Lauds Military Efforts

The Peace, Security and Development Forum has called for national unity in the face of rising security challenges, urging Nigerians, media organisations and civil society groups to rally behind the Armed Forces and avoid actions that could undermine ongoing operations across the country.

Speaking during a press briefing held on Monday in Abuja, the Forum, represented by its Secretary, Afolabi Samuel, said the country was facing a critical moment that required collective resolve rather than finger-pointing.

“It is no longer news that the enemies we all detest are at our doorstep,” Samuel said. “No matter what we are facing now, this organisation is very hopeful that soon we will overcome.”

He noted that the security crisis in Nigeria mirrors a global pattern in which non-state actors are becoming increasingly bold in their attempts to instill fear, cripple socio-economic development and weaken national cohesion.

According to him, Nigeria’s situation has been further complicated by its ongoing economic recovery process.

The forum commended the Armed Forces under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, stating that troops have intensified clearance operations in several hotspots and remain fully committed to restoring peace.

“Our troops are making sacrifices across the country to restore peace,” Samuel said. “We have lost brothers and fathers who were fighting to protect our country. Our prayer is that their sacrifice will not be in vain.”

He described the current situation as “not the time to apportion blame,” insisting that every segment of society must play its part to ensure the success of security operations.

The group specifically urged media practitioners to exercise restraint and patriotism in their reportage, warning that sensational headlines could embolden criminal elements and dampen troops’ morale.

“This is the time to join hands with our troops to defend our country,” he said. “Our media houses have a big role in this war. We must not bring down the morale of our troops; instead, we must support and acknowledge their sacrifices.”

Similarly, the forum appealed to civil society organisations and NGOs to deploy their grassroots influence to promote peace and encourage community vigilance.

To the wider public, the forum delivered a strong message of resistance to fear and division, stating that the ultimate goal of criminal groups is to disrupt the nation’s recovery and weaken its unity.

“These enemies want us to live in fear; they want to destroy our economy and ultimately destroy our nation,” Samuel warned. “We must not surrender to them.”

The organisation reiterated its confidence in the Armed Forces and the leadership of the CDS, recalling General Oluyede’s record during his time as Chief of Army Staff and expressing optimism that he would replicate past successes.

“We commend the Chief of Defence Staff and his troops. It is not an easy time, but with the will of the people and God on our side, we will conquer,” the Forum stated.

The group urged Nigerians to continue praying for the military and to stand firmly with the Armed Forces at this crucial moment, reaffirming its belief that the country will ultimately prevail over its security challenges.