Four Nigerian States Convene High-Level Security Dialogue in Jos to Address Shared Insecurity Threats
The Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), in collaboration with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRING) and the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA), has organized a significant consultative and peer learning dialogue. This event brought together security officials and peacebuilding actors from Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau states to foster stronger collaboration and develop unified strategies to combat the pervasive insecurity affecting these regions.
Event Aims to Share Experiences and Enhance Coordination
The dialogue, held in Jos, Plateau State, served as a platform for participants to exchange experiences and discuss effective approaches to tackling the complex security challenges that have plagued these crises-ridden states. The initiative underscores a growing recognition that isolated efforts are insufficient in addressing the multifaceted nature of contemporary threats.
Director General of OSPRE, Chris Ngwodo, emphasized the critical need for a collaborative framework, stating that "no single tier of government can address today’s security challenges in isolation." He highlighted that the event is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen subnational coordination, improve early warning systems, and promote adaptive, locally driven responses to evolving dangers.
Training and Support Initiatives Highlighted
Ngwodo revealed that in 2025, OSPRE, through its SPARCS programme, trained over 300 individuals across the north-west and north-central zones on real-time conflict risk detection, analysis, and response. He expressed deep gratitude to SPRING and the UK Government for their continued support to peacebuilding and resilience efforts in Nigeria, reinforcing the importance of international partnerships in these endeavors.
"What is required is a coherent, collaborative framework that aligns local knowledge with national capabilities," Ngwodo asserted, stressing the necessity of integrating grassroots insights with broader strategic resources.
Experts Call for Sustained Collaboration and Local Capacity Building
The Team Lead for SPRING, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, communities, and development partners to address the underlying drivers of insecurity. He noted that strengthening local capacities and fostering peer learning platforms, such as this dialogue, are essential for building resilient systems capable of preventing conflicts before they escalate.
Julie Sanda, Director General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, commended OSPRE and SPRING for their unwavering commitment to promoting peace and stability in Plateau State and the wider northern region. She advocated for expanded collaboration to scale successful interventions and deepen their impact at the community level, ensuring that peacebuilding efforts reach those most affected by violence.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Front Against Insecurity
This dialogue marks a proactive step towards creating a more coordinated and effective response to insecurity in some of Nigeria's most vulnerable states. By bringing together key stakeholders from multiple regions, the event aims to lay the groundwork for long-term strategies that leverage local expertise and international support to foster lasting peace and security.
