President Bola Tinubu remains steadfast in his commitment to ending all forms of insecurity in the South-East and Cross River State, the Minister of Defence, Dr. Badaru Abubakar, has assured. Speaking in Enugu on Thursday during an engagement with security agency heads and stakeholders from the region, the minister highlighted the administration’s achievements in combating insecurity over the past year while stressing the need for collective effort to sustain progress.
According to Abubakar, the Tinubu-led government has made remarkable strides in addressing insecurity, especially in the South-East and Cross River State. He emphasized that these successes reflect a “renewed determination” by the president to do even more in ensuring peace and safety. “President Tinubu has directed me to engage with you to find a lasting solution to insecurity. Without security, there can be no peace or development. This region, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, requires peace to thrive,” he said.
The minister called for actionable intelligence and collaboration from all stakeholders to tackle insecurity from its roots, adding that the administration values the role of local leaders in fostering peace. “If insecurity persists, it’s our people who suffer—those whose lives, businesses, and properties are under constant threat,” he said.
Abubakar also revealed that the government is exploring technology-driven solutions to combat crime effectively and restore public confidence. After a spirited interaction with stakeholders, he described the discussions as productive and implementable, promising enhanced security measures.
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Retired Maj.-Gen. John Nwoga highlighted the role of social media in escalating insecurity, citing the circulation of old and misleading videos that create unnecessary fear. He called for collective action to combat fake news and negative narratives within the region.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, announced robust security preparations under the “Operation UDO KA” initiative to ensure a safe and joyous yuletide for South-East residents. He assured that the army is working to create a secure environment to facilitate the mass return of residents for Christmas.
During his visit, Abubakar held closed-door meetings with senior military officials, including Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada of the Nigerian Army and AVM Usman Abdullahi of the Nigerian Air Force. The meetings centered on strategies to bolster security operations across the region.
The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth and women organizations, retired security personnel, and civil society groups. The minister commended their sacrifices and reiterated President Tinubu’s appreciation for their efforts.
