Category Archives: Uncategorized

By: David Abigail

CLEEN Foundation has commenced a three-day Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Stakeholder Inception Training and is set to formally inaugurate State Multi-Stakeholder Implementation and Monitoring Committees (SMIMCs) across five project states—Kaduna, Nasarawa, Imo, Plateau, and Benue.

The initiative, implemented in collaboration with state-level partners, seeks to strengthen the domestication and execution of Nigeria’s National Action Plan (NAP) on WPS.

It aims to address persistent gendered impacts of conflict, insecurity, and governance gaps that continue to disproportionately affect women and girls across the country, particularly in the North-Central and South-East regions.

Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, who spoke through Programme Manager, Chigozirim Okoro, during the day-one session of the training in Kaduna State, said that despite notable national commitments to the WPS agenda, implementation at the sub-national level has remained weak, fragmented, and poorly coordinated.

“Several states either lack functional State Action Plans or have inactive implementation structures, resulting in minimal progress on key WPS pillars, including participation, protection, prevention, relief, and recovery,” he stated.

The newly inaugurated SMIMCs are expected to serve as inclusive coordination platforms that bring together government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, women mediators, youth groups, and the media.

The committees will be responsible for planning, overseeing, and monitoring WPS interventions in their respective states, ensuring alignment with the national framework while adapting strategies to local contexts.

According to CLEEN Foundation, the committees will also track state-level commitments through the Security Accountability Project (SAP), strengthen collaboration among institutions, and promote gender-sensitive decision-making in peace and security processes.

The ongoing inception workshops are designed to build the technical capacity of committee members on WPS principles, monitoring tools, reporting frameworks, and coordination mechanisms.

“Participants will also develop state-specific implementation roadmaps to guide the operationalization of WPS commitments.

Each state training is expected to host at least 30 participants drawn from the Ministries of Women Affairs, Justice, and Internal Security; State Houses of Assembly gender committees; the Police, DSS, Civil Defence, Correctional Service, and the military; faith-based organizations; traditional institutions; media stakeholders; and members of WPS, He4She ambassadors, and SIC networks.”

The inception workshops were held in Imo, Nasarawa, and Benue States from November 11–13, and are ongoing in Plateau and Kaduna States from November 18–20, 2025.

Across the five states, CLEEN Foundation anticipates strengthened coordination, improved accountability, increased visibility of WPS commitments, and enhanced engagement of women and youth in peace and security decision-making processes.

Christian and Muslim organisations under the umbrella of the Coalition for Peace and Justice have concluded plans to convene a National Mega Peace Summit aimed at promoting unity and strengthening the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.

The interfaith summit, scheduled to hold next week Saturday in Kaduna and Abuja, is expected to attract grassroots religious leaders from across the country, particularly from the northern region.

In a press statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Dr. Othman Musa Idris and Pastor John Simon Jita, the coalition reaffirmed that unity, mutual understanding and collective action remain essential to overcoming the forces threatening the nation’s peace and development.

According to the organisers, the summit will provide a strategic platform for Christian and Muslim leaders to engage in dialogue, exchange perspectives and develop joint approaches to tackling the rising threats of terrorism, banditry and violent extremism.

They noted that faith leaders play a critical role in shaping public attitudes and influencing community responses to security challenges. The gathering, therefore, seeks to harness their influence in mobilising communities toward peacebuilding, conflict resolution and improved security cooperation.

Discussions at the summit will also focus on practical steps to end violence, foster peaceful coexistence and reinforce the shared commitment of both religions to safeguarding lives and restoring stability in affected communities.

At the end of the deliberations, a joint communiqué is expected, outlining agreed positions, recommendations and a coordinated framework to support national security efforts and advance sustainable peace across the country.

The International Peace Advocacy Forum (IPAF) has commended Senator Abdul Aziz Yari for what it describes as his sustained and impactful leadership in promoting peace, unity, and religious tolerance across Northern Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Haruna, the forum praised the former Zamfara State Governor for consistently engaging leaders and members of both Christian and Muslim communities, noting that his bridge-building efforts have helped foster trust and reduce religious tension in several crisis-prone areas.

According to the group, Senator Yari’s ongoing outreach to churches, families displaced by violence, victims of banditry, and survivors of insurgency attacks reflects his deep compassion and steadfast commitment to the wellbeing of Nigerians irrespective of religious or ethnic background.

“As a former governor and now a serving senator, Senator Yari has demonstrated courage and empathy in standing with vulnerable communities during moments of heightened insecurity. His efforts to support and protect Christian populations in particular have been commendable and worthy of national recognition,” the statement read.

IPAF noted that Yari’s interventions have, over the years, played a stabilizing role in several affected communities by encouraging dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence—an approach the group described as critical in a region grappling with worsening security challenges.

The forum urged political, religious, and community leaders across Nigeria to emulate Senator Yari’s inclusive and community-centered approach to leadership, saying such a model is essential for strengthening national solidarity and preventing further division.

IPAF also reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with stakeholders at all levels to advance peace-building initiatives and deepen social harmony across the country.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most notable performing Governors. His administration’s “MORE Agenda” — Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace And Security — has provided a clear roadmap for governance, translating plans into tangible outcomes across infrastructure, social welfare, and fiscal management.

Delta State under Governor Oborevwori is proving that clear vision and disciplined execution can deliver real change.

In just about every sector and aspect of leadership the protagonist of the M.O.R.E Agenda the Executive Governor of Delta State Chief Sheriff Oborevwori has shown unrivaled competency, unflinching capacity and unwavering clarity of purpose and vision.

Infrastructure Delivery: Roads, Bridges, and Connectivity.

The Oborevwori administration has prioritized large-scale infrastructure development. It might interest my readers to know that over 510 Road and Bridge Projects covering nearly 1,450 km are ongoing, and quite a huge number of these laudable projects have been completed in less than 2 and half years of Governor Oborevwori’s watch.

Need I mention the many major urban interchanges, including PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction which targets improved urban mobility. Should I include the very profound Projects linking the towns and villages around Asaba with the State Capital, Asaba. There is always more with the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Sheriff, as he is fondly called.

Rural and Riverine areas are receiving critical connectivity projects, ensuring equitable development. These initiatives not only enhance commerce and mobility but also improve daily life for Delta State residents.

From Urban Centres to Rural communities, Delta State is seeing roads and bridges that truly connect its people.

Fiscal Discipline and Economic Growth

Delta State has seen remarkable fiscal improvements under Governor Oborevwori. Under his watch, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) rose from ₦83 billion in 2023 to ₦158 billion in 2024.

The State’s debt dropped from ₦465 billion to ₦249 billion, reflecting fiscal prudence. And Infrastructure development continues without over-reliance on borrowing.

The above figures highlight an administration that manages resources efficiently while delivering large-scale projects.

People-Centered Governance

Oborevwori’s administration emphasizes human capital and social inclusion. It is on record that in the less than 2 years and 6 months of Governor Sheriff’s administration thousands of teaching and non-teaching staff have been recruited across the Local Government Areas of Delta State.

Further to the commitment of the government to education and job creation Governor Sheriff has liberally expanded the scope, size and volume of Student Bursaries as well as the Technical Training and Skill Acquisition Centres across the State.

And remarkably, Social programs like empowerment grants and monthly stipends for vulnerable groups have benefited tens of thousands across the Local Government Areas of the State.

Governor Oborevwori’s policies ensure that no community or citizen is left behind in Delta State’s development journey.

Promoting Peace and Inclusive Governance

Sustainable development requires peace and stability. Such is the fillip that drives Governor Oborevwori’s engagement of Traditional Rulers, Youth Groups, and Community Stakeholders in ensuring a united, peaceful and harmonious Delta State, and the success of this governmental programmatic is halcyon.

It is important to state without equivocation that one of the linchpins of Sheriff’s administration is enforced accountability, and a dogged pledge to remove underperforming officials and punish erring staff.

His pledge to ensure that Delta State under his watch works for all inspires the many extended programs to previously marginalized communities, fostering inclusion. Need I mention the many Urban and Rural projects scattered across the 3 Senatorial Zones of Delta State, or need I tell you how the State has transitioned into a huge construction site under Governor Sheriff? Don’t worry the sequel to this series shall marvel you with figures and statistics.

Recognition and National Credibility

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s achievements have earned him numerous national acclaim amongst which is, The Governor of the Year 2024 by multiple media houses like the Thisday Newspapers and Arise TV Group, the Vanguard Newspapers, the Silverbird Group, the Sun Newspapers, News Telegraph et al.

He has also been named The Most Prolific Governor of the Year 2025 by the Democracy Heroes Award.

He has been generously commended by elder statesmen and civic leaders for tangible achievements in leadership in such a short period, and this underscores the clarity of purpose and vision of Governor Sheriff.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While performance is evident, challenges remain, and the ebullient Governor of Delta State Chief Sheriff Oborevwori is not unmindful of this fact. He is therefore committed to sustaining the quality of large-scale projects in the State. He is also committed to ensuring that more jobs are created and greater rural economic development is achieved. And he is committed to strengthening transparency and citizen engagement.

I shall talk about the bold and daring foray into fixing Federal Roads that directly impact the lives of Deltans in the sequel to this effort. Are you aware that very recently he flagged-off the Construction of the Benin-Sapele Road (a Federal Road), do not salivate just yet, I promise you more details and data in the sequel.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has proven that purpose-driven governance produces results. Delta State’s transformation under his leadership is manifestly cast-in-iron. And with Governor Sheriff M.O.R.E is Assured.

Dr. Emmanuel Ashikodi
Concerned Professionals For Good Governance. (A Good Governance Advocacy Group).

By Mike Odeh James

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Reverend John Joseph Hayab, has described the persistent killings of Christians in Northern Nigeria as genocide, insisting that continued denial of the reality constitutes a grave injustice to the victims and their families.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News Morning show on Wednesday, Reverend Hayab said it was time for Nigerians to confront the truth about religiously motivated violence, which he noted predates the Boko Haram insurgency. He maintained that the failure to acknowledge the targeted attacks against Christians had made genuine reconciliation and national unity difficult.

“Can I consider what has been happening as genocide against Christians? My straightforward answer is yes – Y-E-S, Yes,” Reverend Hayab declared. “The violence did not start with Boko Haram; it has existed for decades. We have buried too many for anyone to pretend otherwise.”

According to him, repeated attempts to explain the killings as mere farmers-herders clashes were not only misleading but also disrespectful to those who had lost their lives and loved ones because of their faith.

“Anybody who says there is no Christian genocide is not being fair to the Christians of Northern Nigeria,” he said. “Some of us have buried victims in large numbers. We can name the dates and locations. These are not imaginations; they are lived experiences.”

Reverend Hayab recalled that long before the Boko Haram insurgency, several crises specifically targeted Christians, including the 2000 Sharia riots in Kaduna and the 2002 Miss World riots, which left hundreds dead and churches destroyed.

“I personally took part in some of the burials,” he said. “Pastors were killed, churches were burnt, and entire families were displaced simply because of their faith.”

Beyond the killings, the Northern CAN Chairman expressed concern over what he called institutional discrimination against Christians in education and public institutions.
“Our children are denied admission into certain universities, not because they are not qualified, but because they are Christians,” he alleged. “In many public schools, Christian students have no chapels and are forced to worship in classrooms.”

He urged the government and citizens to first acknowledge that something had gone wrong before efforts at reconciliation could be meaningful.

“If we admit that Christians have been killed and indeed we have buried many, then we can begin to heal,” he said. “But as long as we keep denying it, we will continue to deceive ourselves.”

Tracing the roots of religious extremism in Northern Nigeria, Reverend Hayab noted that such intolerance did not begin with Boko Haram. He cited the Maitatsine uprisings of the late 1970s and early 1980s as an early sign of violent ideology that has since evolved into terrorism.

“Back then, the term ‘terrorism’ wasn’t common, but what Maitatsine did was exactly terrorism,” he explained. “Boko Haram only made the ideology more official; that anyone who does not share their belief is an infidel.”

He also blamed some religious teachings in the 1980s for deepening divisions that still influence Nigeria’s politics and social relations today.

“One prominent cleric once said publicly that, according to his faith, a Christian could not lead him, and he also could not be led by a woman,” Hayab recalled. “That kind of thinking has continued to shape how people relate with others of different faiths.”

Reverend Hayab, who also serves as the Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN), said lasting peace can only be achieved when truth, justice, and mutual respect are prioritized.

“We cannot keep denying reality and expect peace,” he warned. “The first step toward healing this nation is to tell ourselves the truth and ensure justice for all victims.”

A heated exchange ensued on Monday in Abuja between former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, during the National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, as both clashed over the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Amaechi, in his remarks at the summit organized by the Movement for Electoral Reform, took a swipe at the current administration, describing it as “insensitive to the yearnings of Nigerians.” He lamented the worsening hardship across the country, accusing the government of failing to deliver good governance and protect citizens from economic suffering.

“People are suffering, yet there is no ASUU, no NLC, no NANS to mount pressure on the government. Nigerians are quiet when they should be demanding accountability,” Amaechi said, warning that Tinubu’s government is “defeatable” through democratic means.

However, his comments immediately drew a strong reaction from Senator Sani, who accused Amaechi of hypocrisy, reminding him of his own record in public service.

“You were part of governance from the state to the centre for many years, with little or no remarkable achievement,” Sani fired back. “You are now attacking Nigerians for not protesting, but you yourself never led any protest when you were in power.”

The former lawmaker argued that many of the challenges now blamed on Tinubu’s administration were created by previous leaders — including those who served under both the PDP and APC governments since 1999.

“All that he is pointing out as bad were problems created by leaders like him. It is ironic that after two years out of power, he has suddenly become a critic,” Sani added.

The National Electoral Reforms Summit 2025, held in Abuja, brought together politicians, civil society leaders, and electoral experts to deliberate on strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of future elections.

Other notable participants included Dr. Usman Bugaje, IPAC Chairman Peter Ameh, former SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, and Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe.

The fiery Amaechi–Sani exchange became the highlight of the summit, drawing mixed reactions from attendees who described it as a reflection of the growing ideological and moral divides within Nigeria’s political elites.

Abuja, Nigeria — Former Kaduna Central Senator and human rights activist Shehu Sani has issued a strong rebuttal to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on Nigeria, accusing him of relying on “anarchists and propagandists” who deliberately distort the country’s security situation for political ends.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Sani said Trump had been “misinformed and misled by anarchists and propagandists” spreading half-truths about Nigeria’s war against terrorism and internal security challenges.

“Trump’s views about Nigeria and its leadership were shaped by people who thrive in chaos and division,” Sani stated. “They present a one-sided picture of insecurity and ignore the courage and resilience of Nigerians confronting terrorism daily.”

The former senator, who served in the 8th National Assembly and is known for his outspoken activism, acknowledged that while Nigeria continues to face grave threats from insurgents, bandits, and extremist groups, the country remains steadfast in its determination to restore peace.

“Nigeria will defeat terrorism. It may take time and sacrifice, but the people have refused to surrender to fear,” Sani said. “Our diversity and democracy remain stronger than the hate and violence of extremists.”

He called on the international community, particularly the United States, to adopt a more balanced and fact-based approach in assessing Nigeria’s internal challenges. According to Sani, foreign leaders should focus on supporting Nigeria through intelligence sharing, humanitarian aid, and fair diplomacy, rather than amplifying politically motivated narratives.

“Western countries must not allow bias or misinformation to shape their policy towards Africa,” he cautioned. “The weaponization of falsehoods against nations like Nigeria only fuels division and weakens the fight against terror.”

Sani further stressed that Nigeria’s security battle cannot be won through military means alone. He advocated for a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of extremism — including poverty, unemployment, and corruption.

“The fight against terrorism requires both force and fairness,” he explained. “Without justice and inclusion, we risk perpetuating the same cycle of violence we seek to end.”

The interview comes amid heightened global scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record and its ongoing war against terror groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP). Several recent foreign commentaries — including those from U.S. and European analysts — have accused the Nigerian government of mishandling security crises and ignoring civilian suffering.

Sani, however, warned that outsiders often overlook local resilience and reform efforts while magnifying negative narratives. He described such portrayals as harmful to Nigeria’s democratic image and counterproductive to peacebuilding efforts.

“Nigeria’s story should be told by Nigerians, not by those who profit from its pain,” he declared.

The former senator concluded by expressing optimism that, despite current hardships, Nigeria’s unity, diversity, and democratic values would ultimately triumph over extremism and misinformation.

The Forum for Growth and Development of Nigeria (FGDN) has urged the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), the People’s Republic of China, and Canada to impose visa restrictions on individuals engaging in what it described as “coordinated social media attacks” against the organization and its leadership.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Adams Shaiza Musa, and made available to journalists in Kaduna, the group expressed deep concern over what it termed an increasing wave of “malicious and unhealthy” online campaigns targeted at both local and international organizations.

According to the statement, FGDN—known for its advocacy for national unity, good governance, and youth empowerment—said it has recently noticed some “unwarranted and orchestrated online assaults” aimed at discrediting international organizations.

“We are disturbed by the level of hate speech and false narratives being peddled on social media against several organizations. These attacks are not only defamatory, but also capable of inciting divisions and discouraging civic engagement between patriotic Nigerians and international communities,” the statement read.

While reaffirming support for the constitutional right to freedom of expression, the group stressed that such freedom must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of truth and decency. It warned that the abuse of digital platforms to spread misinformation and launch personal attacks poses a threat to national unity and social cohesion.

“We call on the embassies of the EU member states, China, the United Kingdom, and Canada to take note of individuals who habitually use the internet to malign others. They should be denied visas and international privileges until they desist from such unethical conduct,” FGDN stated.

The group also called on relevant Nigerian agencies, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to strengthen regulatory measures governing online communication in order to curb misinformation and cyberbullying.

However, it reaffirmed FGDN’s commitment to promoting development-oriented dialogue, civic education, and initiatives that foster peace and social progress across Nigeria.

“FGDN remains focused on its mission to contribute positively to national development. We will not support those who seek attention through baseless accusations. Our objective is to unite Nigerians with international communities around ideas that can move the nation forward,” he said.

The statement concluded with an appeal to media practitioners and social commentators to verify information before publishing or sharing it online, urging them to uphold ethics and professionalism in their work.

In a nation where economic hardship continues to test the resilience of its people, the Department of State Services (DSS) under the visionary leadership of Director General Mr. Adeola Oluwafemi Ajayi, has once again demonstrated that true security transcends the barrel of the gun. The recent announcement of a N50,000 one-time cash assistance to 7,774 carefully selected vulnerable Nigerians, 10 from each of the 774 local government areas stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of non-kinetic security operations in Nigeria.

This initiative, totaling approximately N388 million, is not merely a welfare gesture, it is a masterstroke in nation-building, social inclusion and sustainable peace.

The Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement for Peace, Unity, Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM) wholeheartedly commends the DSS and its Director General for this people-centered intervention. By deliberately targeting the “poorest of the poor”, widows, the elderly, persons with disabilities, the unemployed, and those burdened by medical challenges. It recognizes that hunger, despair and exclusion are fertile grounds for unrest, radicalization and criminality. In providing direct financial relief, the DSS is not only alleviating immediate suffering but is also fortifying the social fabric of our beloved country.

The selection process itself deserves special praise. Unlike many top-down interventions that often bypass the most deserving, the DSS adopted a grassroots, consultative approach. Security heads, traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government officials, and community stakeholders were all involved in identifying beneficiaries. This ensures transparency, fairness, and cultural relevance. When an 80-year-old grandfather like Pa Segun in the Southwest receives his N50,000 with tears of gratitude, it is not just money changing hands, it is dignity being restored, hope being rekindled, and loyalty to the state being reinforced.

For the beneficiaries, this N50,000 is far more than a cash transfer, it is a lifeline with transformative potential. In rural communities where daily income barely exceeds N500, this sum can cover three months of basic food needs for a family of five. A widow in Sokoto can now purchase grains, cooking oil, and medicine without begging. An unemployed youth in Ebonyi can use the funds to start a small poultry or vegetable farm, generating sustainable income. A disabled artisan in Kano can acquire tools to resume his trade. These are not abstract possibilities, they are real pathways out of poverty, made possible by the DSS’s foresight.

Moreover, this initiative aligns perfectly with global best practices in countering violent extremism. Research from the United Nations and the Institute for Economics and Peace consistently shows that economic empowerment reduces vulnerability to recruitment by criminal or terrorist groups. When citizens feel seen, supported, and valued by state institutions, they become active defenders of peace. The DSS, through this program, is building a human security firewall and deserve our commendation for that. We particularly applaud the DG’s emphasis on “winning hearts and minds.” This is leadership with empathy.

In a time when security agencies are often criticized for heavy-handedness, Mr. Ajayi has shown that strength also lies in compassion. By investing nearly N400 million of its resources into direct citizen support, the DSS is setting a powerful example for other agencies and tiers of government. We call on state governors, local government chairmen, and federal ministries to emulate this model. Imagine the impact if every security outfit in Nigeria allocated just 1% of its budget to similar empowerment schemes.

As the National President of the Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement, I urge the DSS to sustain and expand this initiative. Future phases could include skills training, micro-credit follow-ups, and digital literacy programs to ensure long-term self-reliance. We also recommend the establishment of a public monitoring framework, perhaps through civil society partnerships to track outcomes and share success stories nationwide.

In conclusion, the DSS N50,000 cash assistance program is without doubt a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s development journey. It proves that security is not just about intelligence and enforcement but about justice, equity and human dignity.

On behalf of the Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement for Peace, Unity, Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM), I extend our deepest gratitude to Director General Adeola Ajayi and the entire DSS family. May this initiative inspire a new era of inclusive governance where no Nigerian is left behind.

Dr Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu
Sarkin Yakin Kanya Babba,
National President
Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement For Peace, Unity, Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM)

Samson Baruwa

Abuja,

– The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has expressed serious concern over the recent designation of Nigeria by United States President Donald Trump as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to alleged widespread persecution of Christians, even as it opposed any form of foreign military intervention in the country.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its National Caucus meeting held on Saturday, November 2, 2025, the Forum described Trump’s designation as a “wake-up call” to the Federal Government to act decisively in halting what it called “the ongoing mayhem and killings” across the country.

The meeting, which brought together leaders of the four major socio-cultural and political blocs—Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Middle Belt Forum, and PANDEF—was convened to discuss matters of urgent national importance, particularly the US designation, insecurity, and the political direction of Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the communiqué signed by HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Leader of Afenifere; Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum; Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; and H.E. Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF, the Forum noted that while Nigeria must reject external interference, it must equally confront internal threats that have destroyed lives and displaced communities.

“The SMBLF notes with very serious concern the designation by the US President Donald Trump of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious persecution against Christians,” the communiqué stated.

The leaders affirmed their opposition to any “unsolicited foreign military intervention in Nigeria over any matter.” However, they described the CPC designation as a serious warning to the authorities in Abuja to take full responsibility for restoring order, justice, and equity in the handling of national security.

“We consider the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern a wake-up call to the Federal Government to pursue with a sense of urgency and responsibility halting the ongoing mayhem and killings,” the communiqué read.

The Forum specifically called on the government to confront and dismantle the various militias, killer herdsmen, and Islamist terrorist groups that have been blamed for massacres and land seizures in parts of the country. It urged the administration to “restore occupied lands to their rightful owners of all faiths and ethnic nationalities,” naming Benue, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, Gombe, Southern Borno, and Southern Kebbi as areas most affected by the violence.

---

Call for Security Sector Reforms

While acknowledging the recent reshuffling of the nation’s Service Chiefs, the SMBLF said the move was welcome but insufficient. The Forum called on the President to extend the reform process to other key defence and security institutions, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of State for Defence.

According to the Forum, these strategic positions “are presently occupied by persons from one section of the country,” a situation that does not reflect Nigeria’s ethnic and regional diversity.

“This will not only ensure a comprehensive overhaul of the national defence architecture but also reflect the diversity of the country,” the communiqué declared.

---

Nnamdi Kanu’s Continued Detention

On the issue of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, the SMBLF reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s unity but criticized what it described as the excessive military response by previous administrations to peaceful agitations.

“SMBLF restates its commitment to the unity and continued coexistence of the Nigerian Federation wherein every citizen and constituent ethnic nationality will be equally respected and have genuine sense of belonging,” the statement read.

The Forum recalled that Kanu’s agitation began peacefully but was “radicalised by ill-advised and excessive military responses codenamed operations ‘Crocodile Smile’ and ‘Python Dance’ by the erstwhile Buhari administration.” These military campaigns, the group argued, forced Kanu into exile, leading to his arrest in Kenya, rendition to Nigeria in 2021, and ongoing prosecution since then.

Without prejudice