Ribadu, Sultan Kukah, Proffer Solution To Insecurity

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, the Sultan of Sokoto and head of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (SCIAN), Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, have proffered a solution to address the insecurity in Nigeria.

While Kukah said that the growing belief that arming communities to defend themselves against terrorists and bandits will solve problems can only offer a false sense of security, Ribadu warned that any individual or group who attempts to exploit communities to spread terror or undermine national security would face decisive action.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at a national dialogue on “A Whole-of-Society Approach to Prevention of Violence and Conflict in Northern Nigeria,” Kukah raised questions about what would happen to the weapons given to people to defend themselves if/when peace returned to the country.

The event was organised by the National Peace Committee, the Kukah Centre, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

He said Nigeria has too many underlying ailments, such as unstable homes, fragmented communities, and weakened moral foundations, noting that these vulnerabilities create fertile ground for bandits and criminals.

Kukah emphasised that Nigeria can only overcome its security challenges when every citizen, irrespective of faith, ethnic or cultural background, comes together to fight the common enemy.

He said, “There is a growing belief that communities can defend themselves by arming up. But arms will not solve our problems. They offer a false sense of security.

“And when peace returns, where will those weapons go? As a Christian, it is not accidental that Jesus asked Peter to put back his sword. God’s teachings do not change; circumstances may change, but the truth does not,” Kukah stated, adding that the depth of the insecurity problem in the country indicates that “We have reached rock bottom. The only direction left is upwards.”

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, described Nigeria’s diversity as an asset, adding that embracing diversity strengthens the country.

He noted that the country was facing kidnappings, killings, and attacks—all in the name of imposing beliefs.

He said contrary to beliefs, Islam abhors extremism. “A true Muslim cannot be an extremist. Any text that is twisted to justify violence is a distortion of our faith.

“Education is critical to addressing extremism and false narratives. There is no inherent conflict between Islam and Christianity. Problems arise only between individuals, not between religions. If each person follows the teachings of their faith sincerely, peace is possible,” he said.