Presidential Aide Pushes Community-led Security Strategy

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, has advocated a stronger community-led approach to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collaboration between citizens, security agencies and government institutions.

Dr. Essiet spoke during engagements held in Lokoja, Kogi State, as part of activities marking the study tour of participants from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Nigeria.

The presidential aide joined the Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ahmed Ododo, in receiving the participants of the study tour themed, “Promoting Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity.”

The study tour focused on strengthening collaboration between government institutions, security agencies and local communities as a strategic pathway to improving national security and sustainable development across the country.

As part of the engagements, an interactive session was held with participants from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Nigeria, where discussions centred on practical and sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges through inclusive community engagement and inter-agency collaboration.

Dr. Essiet also visited the State Security Service (SSS), where discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between security agencies and local communities in addressing emerging security threats while promoting peace, stability and public trust.

Speaking during the engagements, the presidential aide said community participation and trust-building remain critical in tackling insecurity and enhancing national prosperity.

She noted that strategic partnerships between citizens, security agencies and government institutions are necessary for strengthening relationships between the people and security institutions.

According to her, effective community engagement remains one of the most important tools for addressing security challenges across the country.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation between government institutions, the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies in advancing policies and initiatives aimed at promoting national unity, peacebuilding and development.