…CDS vows to go after enemies of Nigeria’s sovereignty
The Northern Traditional Rulers Council, (NTRC), has held its General Assembly in Birnin-Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, to deliberate on the worsening insecurity across the region and chart a course for peace and stability.
The meeting, themed: “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria”, was hosted by the Kebbi State Government under Governor Nasir Idris, and chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Council, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. The Emir of Borno, who serves as the Council’s deputy chairman, assisted in presiding over the session.
The high-level gathering, held at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, was attended by top government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and community leaders from across the North. Among the dignitaries were the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and representatives of the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security agencies.
In his address, General Christopher Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and warned that those working against the country’s sovereignty would be treated as enemies of the state.
“Anyone found doing anything negative against the government and the sovereignty of Nigeria is an enemy of the state, and we will go after such person”,he declared.
The CDS stressed that the military remained resolute in protecting democracy and ensuring the safety of all citizens. He commended traditional rulers for their crucial role in promoting unity and stability, describing them as the bedrock of governance and the first line of engagement between the people and government.
He emphasized that peace could not be enforced through force alone, but must be cultivated through trust, dialogue, and collaboration among communities, traditional institutions, and security agencies.
General Musa further urged his officers to act decisively against bandits and insurgents threatening lives and property, noting that the armed forces had clear orders to neutralize any group engaging in violence or destruction.
The Defence Chief also called for responsible use of social media, warning against the spread of fake news capable of inciting unrest. “People sit in their rooms, create false stories and share them until they go viral. It is dangerous. We must verify information before posting or sharing”,
he cautioned.
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the assembly’s theme was chosen to address the region’s deepening insecurity and explore community-based solutions. He announced that a communiqué from the meeting would be presented to northern governors at their forthcoming conference in Kaduna.
The Sultan urged Nigerians to support and pray for the military rather than criticise them, acknowledging their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation. “Without the military, we wouldn’t be where we are now. There are challenges and shortcomings, and that’s why we are here – to find solutions”,
he said.
The royal father dismissed recent false reports circulating online, including claims of attacks in Sokoto, and reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to democracy and national unity.
Also speaking, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, praised security agencies for their dedication and assured that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remained committed to supporting their operations.
He said the administration had prioritised funding to strengthen national security and stimulate development across all tiers of government.
The state governor Nasir Idris, commended the traditional rulers for their unwavering commitment to peace and unity, noting that their grassroots influence remained vital to stabilising the North.
The Planning Committee Chairman and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Garba Umar Dutsinmari, confirmed that the deliberations were aimed at strengthening partnerships between communities, security agencies, and traditional institutions for a more secure and prosperous region.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to intensify collaborative efforts in tackling insecurity, promoting national unity, and building sustainable peace across Northern Nigeria.
