On Friday, July 31, 2026, it was, indeed, a grassroot engagement at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, when stakeholders from different cadres and all walks of life converged and discussed issues surrounding mounting insecurity across Nigeria. The event which centred on countering terrorism, insecurity and national unity in Nigeria, was themed: “Supporting Our Troops, Strengthening National Unity and Advancing Peace and Development.” Organized by a leading Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Project 774 Network, the Convener was former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the 16th Emir of Kano, His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi 11.
The participants of the National Citizens’ Stakeholders’ Engagement on Countering Terrorism and Insecurity, comprised representatives of Federal and State Governments, security and intelligence agencies, traditional institutions, religious organisations, civil society, academia, the private sector, women and youth groups, professional associations, development partners, the media and patriotic Nigerians. Keynote addresses, special remarks, expert presentations and extensive deliberations on the state of national security, which also deeply considered the enormous sacrifices, courage and patriotism of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and all other security and intelligence agencies, were delivered by security experts, scholars, traditional rulers and the academia. The knowledge-packed remarks and presentations were
guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the principles of democracy, the Rule of Law, respect for human dignity, national unity and the collective responsibility of all Nigerians as citizens.
The stakeholders also observed that terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism and organised criminality continue to threaten the peace, security, unity, economic prosperity and future of Nigeria as a nation. The stakeholders recognized that while remarkable progress has been made through the commitment and sacrifice of the security forces, military and law enforcement operations alone cannot permanently defeat insecurity without active citizen participation, community ownership and coordinated action at all levels of government. They further observed that insecurity is often local in origin, local in manifestation and local in impact. Consequently, lasting solutions must equally be rooted within the communities, through effective intelligence gathering, community resilience, responsible leadership and sustained collaboration between citizens and security institutions.
The stakeholders, however, declared that national security is a shared constitutional and civic responsibility. The defence of Nigeria is not the responsibility of government alone, but a collective duty requiring the commitment of every institution, every community and every citizen. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and all security and intelligence agencies and pledged their continued cooperation in strengthening intelligence sharing, promoting lawful community participation and advancing national unity. The stakeholders, therefore, adopted what the tagged as the: “Abuja 774 Local Government Security Partnership Initiative,” as a practical national framework for strengthening grassroots security throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Under the Initiative, they called upon every one across the 774 Local Government Councils in Nigeria to recognise security as a fundamental developmental priority, and to establish transparent and accountable mechanisms for supporting lawful security operations within their respective jurisdictions. Accordingly, they recommended that every Local Government Council should make lawful budgetary provision from its statutory allocation to support local security initiatives through the procurement and maintenance of operational vehicles, motorcycles, communications equipment, surveillance facilities, emergency response logistics and other operational requirements, necessary to strengthen the effectiveness of security agencies deployed within their areas. They further recommended provision of lawful welfare and sustenance support for security personnel operating in Local Government Areas in accordance with applicable laws and approved administrative procedures. They also resolved that every Local Government Area should establish and strengthen functional Community Policing Committees involving security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youth and other community stakeholders.
To complement these structures, the stakeholders advised that every Local Government Area should facilitate the transparent recruitment, screening, training and supervision of not fewer than 100 carefully vetted community vigilante personnel, operating strictly within the law and under the operational coordination and supervision of recognised security agencies. These community safety volunteers shall support intelligence gathering, neighbourhood surveillance, protection of public infrastructure, early warning systems and rapid response initiatives while remaining fully accountable to established legal and administrative oversight mechanisms.
The stakeholders further resolved that no Local Government Area in Nigeria should become a sanctuary, operational base or transit corridor for terrorists, bandits, kidnappers or other criminal elements. It is in their view that all the 774 Local Government Areas should work simultaneously through coordinated intelligence sharing, joint surveillance, community policing and collaborative security arrangements to deny criminal groups the opportunity to relocate or spread insecurity from one community to another.
The stakeholders, however, called upon all state governments to: establish effective oversight mechanisms for monitoring the security preparedness and performance of Local Government Councils. They maintained that such oversight should include: periodic evaluation of security initiatives, utilization of support resources, effectiveness performance of Community Policing Committees, Performance of community vigilante structures, and measurable improvements in public safety. They insisted that
state governments should also provide policy guidance, technical support, capacity building and timely intervention where local government councils fail to meet agreed security standards.
The stakeholders further called on
the Federal Government to continue to strengthen intelligence-led security operations, improve inter-agency collaboration and coordination, and sustain investment in security technology and personnel. They urged the National Assembly to continue to provide legislative support for national security reforms and ensure adequate funding for security institutions. The stakeholders also tasked traditional rulers, religious leaders and community organisations to intensify peace-building, civic responsibility, intelligence awareness and early warning initiatives. The private sector and development partners were also advised to expand support for community resilience, youth empowerment, security innovation and victim support programmes.
The stakeholders also urged the media to continue promoting responsible journalism, while rejecting misinformation, hate speech and extremist propaganda.
It is their wish and desire that all Nigerians must remain vigilant, cooperate with lawful security authorities, reject every form of criminality and place national unity above every ethnic, religious or political division.
The stakeholders, however, resolved that the security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall no longer be viewed solely as the responsibility of the Federal Government. Rather, every State Government shall provide strategic leadership and oversight; every Local Government Area shall become an active security partner; every community shall serve as an intelligence asset and the first line of resilience; every traditional and religious institution shall champion peace and social cohesion; every corporate organisation shall support national security through responsible partnership; and every Nigerian citizen shall accept a personal responsibility in safeguarding Nigeria.
It is their believe and conviction that through collective commitment, Nigerians shall deny terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent crime every opportunity to thrive anywhere within the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The stakeholders, however, expressed their profound appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; the keynote speaker, eminent traditional and religious leaders, heads of security and intelligence agencies, development partners, members of the media and every participant whose commitment contributed to the success of the historic Summit.
Speaking to our Correspondent on the idea behind the Summit, the National Secretary of Project 774 Network, DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel (rtd), said the gathering was designed and fashioned towards supporting Nigerian troops, strengthening national unity, as well as advancing peace and development across the country. Gumel further stated that the Project 774 Network was established on the conviction that the future of Nigeria depends not only on the quality of its leadership, but equally on the character, responsibility, and active participation of its citizens.
He said: “We believe that the greatness of a nation is measured not only by the strength of its institutions, the size of its economy, or the authority of its government, but also by the integrity, discipline, patriotism, and civic responsibility of its people. For this reason, Project 774 Network is built upon a philosophy of shared national responsibility—a philosophy that calls upon government to lead with accountability and citizens to serve with responsibility. We reject the false belief that nation-building is the exclusive duty of government. Likewise, we reject the notion that citizens should remain passive observers of national affairs. Every Nigerian has a role to play in building a peaceful, secure, united, and prosperous nation. This philosophy guides every programme, partnership, publication, and initiative undertaken by Project 774 Network,” he added.
According to him: “More so, we affirm that leadership and citizenship are complementary responsibilities; rights and responsibilities are inseparable in a democratic society; national development is sustained by institutions that are strengthened through ethical leadership and responsible citizenship; peace is preserved through justice, dialogue, mutual respect, and community participation; security is most effective when citizens and institutions work together in trust; every Local Government Area is a strategic building block of national development; national unity grows when diversity is respected and the common good is placed above sectional interests; lasting progress is achieved through integrity, service, discipline, innovation, and collective action. Furthermore, the Project 774 Network believes that government must govern with integrity, transparency, accountability, and fairness; citizens must conduct themselves with honesty, discipline, respect for the law, and commitment to the common good; families must nurture character; schools must cultivate knowledge and civic values; religious and traditional institutions must promote morality, peace, and social harmony; businesses must operate responsibly and create opportunities; civil society must encourage participation and accountability; young people must become innovators, volunteers, and future leaders rather than spectators of national development.
“Indeed, a nation prospers when each institution fulfils its responsibility faithfully. Project 774 Network teaches that every Nigerian has a sphere of influence—however small—that can become a centre of national transformation. True nation-building begins when each person commits to excellence, honesty, and service to the country and humanity.” He insisted that millions of responsible actions performed daily by ordinary citizens create extraordinary national progress, adding that, “before we seek national transformation, we must begin with personal transformation. The future of Nigeria will not be determined solely by those who occupy public office. It will also be shaped by teachers who inspire, parents who guide, entrepreneurs who create opportunities, workers who perform their duties faithfully, community leaders who unite rather than divide, and citizens who choose honesty over convenience. Every Nigerian has the capacity to influence the nation’s future through everyday acts of responsibility and service.”
Gumel maintained that Project 774 Network is a non-partisan national civic movement founded on the enduring conviction that the future of Nigeria depends not only on the quality of its leadership but equally on the character, responsibility, and active participation of its citizens. “We believe that the true greatness of a nation is measured not merely by the strength of its institutions, the size of its economy, or the authority of its government, but by the integrity, discipline, patriotism, compassion, and civic responsibility of its people. Accordingly, Project 774 Network is founded upon the philosophy of Shared National Responsibility—a philosophy that calls upon government to govern with accountability and citizens to serve with responsibility. We reject the false assumption that nation-building is the exclusive responsibility of government. Equally, we reject the notion that citizens should remain passive observers of national affairs. Every Nigerian has both the privilege and the duty to contribute to the peace, security, unity, and prosperity of our nation.
“National transformation begins when every citizen chooses integrity, competence, discipline, and service within that personal sphere. Extraordinary nations are built through millions of ordinary acts of responsibility faithfully performed every day. Our mission is to cultivate a civic culture in which government governs with integrity, institutions serve with excellence, communities thrive through cooperation, and citizens embrace their shared responsibility for building a peaceful, secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria.”
