Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has said addressing complex security threats in Nigeria’s South East requires more than security operations alone, calling for a comprehensive approach combining effective policing with good governance, economic development and community engagement.

Speaking at the South East Regional Security Summit 2026 in Umuahia, Musa said lasting security can only be achieved through collaboration, mutual trust and active community participation, describing the region as one of Nigeria’s most vibrant but noting that violent criminality, kidnapping and illicit arms continue to undermine confidence and economic growth. He urged summit participants to reject narratives that divide the region and instead embrace dialogue as the foundation for lasting peace.

Minister of Information Mohammed Idris said lasting peace in the South East is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and national unity, describing security as a shared responsibility involving government, traditional rulers, religious leaders and citizens, and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improved intelligence sharing and inter-agency coordination. Chief of Air Staff Sunday Aneke called for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies and communities to address the root causes of insecurity, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, said the National Assembly remains committed to legislative support for strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu urged a shift from dialogue to implementation, stressing that security requires collaboration and community trust rather than force alone.