SPEECH BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND NATIONAL ORIENTATION, MOHAMMED IDRIS, FNIPR, AT THE 2026 SOUTH-EAST REGIONAL SECURITY SUMMIT, HELD AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE, ON THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2026
Protocol.
It is a great honour to join you today at this important South-East Regional Security Summit.
I sincerely commend the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), Hon. Barr. Chioma Nweze, for convening this timely gathering. I also acknowledge the presence of the Governors of the South-East States, distinguished members of the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly, our security and intelligence chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic community, youth representatives and other stakeholders.
The theme of this Summit—“Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability”—captures an enduring truth: security cannot be delivered by government alone. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach in which institutions, communities and citizens work together with a shared sense of purpose.
Security is the bedrock of national development. Without peace, investment retreats. Without security, businesses struggle to grow, farms cannot flourish, schools cannot function effectively, and communities are denied the opportunity to realise their full potential.
The South-East occupies a unique place in Nigeria's national life. Renowned for enterprise, innovation and resilience, its people have made enormous contributions to our country's economic development. The Federal Government therefore remains fully committed to ensuring lasting peace and security across the region.
For this reason, the Federal Government remains firmly committed to ensuring that every community across the South-East enjoys lasting peace and security.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has consistently affirmed that protecting lives and property is the foremost responsibility of government. Guided by this principle, the Renewed Hope Administration has adopted a comprehensive security strategy that combines military operations, intelligence-led policing, judicial accountability, economic development and strategic partnerships.
Since May 2023, the Administration has strengthened the capabilities of our Armed Forces and security agencies through improved intelligence sharing, better inter-agency coordination, modern equipment and continuous personnel training. These investments are producing results. Security forces have recorded significant successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements, dismantling criminal hideouts, rescuing victims and restoring normalcy to affected communities.
Nigeria has also deepened international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime. Our strategic partnerships with the United States and other friendly nations have enhanced intelligence sharing, specialised training, counter-terrorism operations and efforts to disrupt terrorist financing and logistics. These collaborations recognise that terrorism respects no borders and that defeating it requires sustained international cooperation.
Equally important is the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law. Nigeria has undertaken one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in its history under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, ensuring that those who seek to undermine the peace and security of our nation are brought to justice through due process. This sends a clear message that criminality will neither be tolerated nor rewarded.
The Renewed Hope Agenda recognises that security and development are inseparable. Communities with quality infrastructure, education, employment and economic opportunities are naturally more resilient against crime and extremism.
This understanding informs the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, which is strengthening coordination among regional development commissions. Through the South East Development Commission, government is accelerating infrastructure renewal, stimulating economic activity and addressing the region's developmental priorities
Across the South-East and indeed the country, the Federal Government is investing in major road projects, rail modernisation, power infrastructure and digital connectivity to improve mobility, facilitate commerce and attract private investment.
The Administration is also investing in Nigeria’s greatest resource—its people. Through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), thousands of students now have access to interest-free loans for higher education. Youth empowerment programmes, digital skills initiatives, entrepreneurship support and expanded access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are creating opportunities for productive engagement.
These are not merely economic initiatives—they are strategic investments in national security. Every young Nigerian empowered through education or enterprise is less vulnerable to criminal recruitment and violent extremism.
Today's security challenges are fought not only on the battlefield but also in the information space. Criminal groups increasingly exploit misinformation, disinformation and hate speech to spread fear, divide communities and weaken national cohesion.
That is why communication has become an essential pillar of national security. Through the National Orientation Agency and the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), the Federal Government is promoting media literacy, responsible digital citizenship and the critical thinking skills needed to reject falsehoods and extremist propaganda.
In today’s digital age, every citizen has a responsibility not only to consume information responsibly but also to ensure that what they share contributes to peace rather than division.
The media also remains an indispensable partner in nation-building. I commend journalists who continue to uphold professionalism and encourage all media practitioners to resist sensationalism and avoid amplifying narratives that serve criminal interests
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and civil society likewise have vital roles in promoting dialogue, strengthening social cohesion and encouraging cooperation with security agencies. Equally important is the active participation of citizens, whose vigilance and timely intelligence remain among our strongest tools for preventing attacks and disrupting criminal networks.
One of the most important national conversations today concerns the future of policing in Nigeria. The ongoing constitutional process on State Police presents an important opportunity to strengthen grassroots policing and bring law enforcement closer to the communities they serve. Having progressed through the National Assembly, the next constitutional milestone rests with the Houses of Assembly of the thirty-six states.
This is therefore a defining moment for broad national engagement. I therefore encourage Governors, State Legislatures, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society, professional bodies and the media to engage constructively in this important constitutional process. Whatever our perspectives, we share a common goal of building a policing system that is more responsive, accountable and effective while preserving the unity and constitutional integrity of our nation.
Peace is far more than the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice, of opportunity, of inclusion, and of hope.
The South-East has always been defined by enterprise, resilience, industry and ingenuity. Those enduring values must remain stronger than the forces that seek to undermine them.
As we conclude this Summit, let us renew our commitment to stronger cooperation among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, faith communities, civil society and citizens. Let us support constitutional reforms that strengthen grassroots policing. Let us reject misinformation, resist the voices of division and work together to build communities founded on trust, justice and shared prosperity.
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government will continue to partner with the people of the South-East to ensure that this region remains a place where businesses flourish, communities thrive and every child can dream without fear.
When the South-East is secure, Nigeria is stronger. When every region enjoys peace, our democracy flourishes. And when we stand together as one people, united by a common destiny, no force can diminish the promise of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
I thank you for your kind attention.
Long Live, Abia State,
Long Live the South East,
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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