The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening national security as he joined stakeholders at the North-West Zonal Security Summit held on Saturday at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna.
The summit, convened by the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on National Security, provided a platform for robust dialogue on prevailing security challenges in the North-West and strategies for enhanced collaboration among government institutions, traditional authorities, and communities.
In his goodwill message, Badaru reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that national security, unity, and community resilience remain central to the administration’s priorities. He said the President envisions a peaceful and prosperous society grounded in shared values of tolerance, mutual respect, and collective growth. 
The Minister highlighted the progress recorded so far through strengthened synergy among security agencies, stressing that the nation’s security architecture must continue to adapt to emerging threats. He described security as a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of citizens, communities, and state governments.
Badaru praised state governors in the region for their support as Chief Security Officers, particularly in the areas of logistics, early-warning systems, and community engagement. He also commended traditional rulers for their roles in mediation and trust-building, as well as women, youth groups, religious leaders, and civil society organizations for their contributions to community vigilance, peacebuilding, and combating misinformation.
Reiterating President Tinubu’s directives, the Minister urged the Armed Forces and other security agencies to sustain momentum in interagency cooperation, intelligence sharing, and the protection of schools and rural communities.
He further commended the Senate for organizing the summit, describing it as a vital effort in promoting transparency, dialogue, and accountability in the nation’s security framework.
The event drew attendance from key stakeholders, including Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, representatives of other state governments, traditional rulers, Islamic scholars, civil society organizations, and various community groups.
According to Mati Ali, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Defence, the Ministry remains committed to working with all partners to strengthen stability and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda across the North-West region.
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