Four Nigerian States Engage in High-Level Security Dialogue to Address Insecurity
The Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), in collaboration with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) programme and the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency (PSPBA), has organized a significant high-level consultative and peer-learning dialogue. This event, convened in Jos, Plateau State, aims to tackle the escalating insecurity affecting Benue, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau states. The gathering assembled security officials and peacebuilding actors from these regions to exchange experiences and develop coordinated strategies for mitigating security threats.
Emphasis on Coordinated Efforts and Collaboration
During the dialogue, Chris Ngwodo, the Director-General of OSPRE, underscored the necessity for a unified and collaborative approach to security challenges. He asserted that no single level of government can effectively manage Nigeria's complex security issues independently. Ngwodo highlighted that this dialogue is a component of ongoing initiatives to enhance subnational coordination, improve early warning systems, and foster adaptive, locally driven responses to evolving threats.
Ngwodo provided details on OSPRE's efforts, noting that through its SPARCS programme, over 300 participants from the North-West and North-Central zones were trained in 2025. This training focused on real-time detection, analysis, and response to conflict risks. He expressed gratitude to SPRING and the United Kingdom Government for their sustained support of peacebuilding and resilience projects in Nigeria.
"No single tier of government can address today's security challenges in isolation. What is required is a coherent, collaborative framework that aligns local knowledge with national capabilities," Ngwodo stated.
Root Causes and Local Capacity Building
Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, the Team Lead for SPRING, emphasized the critical role of continuous collaboration among government bodies, communities, and development partners in addressing the underlying causes of insecurity. He pointed out that strengthening local capacities and establishing peer-learning platforms, such as this dialogue, are essential for building resilient systems that can prevent conflicts from escalating.
Julie Sanda, the Director-General of the Plateau State Peacebuilding Agency, also spoke at the event, praising OSPRE and SPRING for their dedication to advancing peace and stability in Plateau State and the broader northern region. She advocated for expanded collaboration to scale successful interventions and enhance their impact at the community level.
Key Outcomes and Future Directions
The dialogue concluded with a consensus on the need for sustained efforts and shared resources to combat insecurity effectively. Participants agreed to prioritize the following actions:
- Enhancing information-sharing mechanisms between states and federal agencies.
- Investing in community-based early warning systems to detect threats promptly.
- Promoting local peacebuilding initiatives that are tailored to specific regional challenges.
- Fostering partnerships with international organizations to leverage additional support and expertise.
This high-level meeting marks a proactive step towards creating a more secure environment in the affected states, with plans for follow-up sessions to monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.
