ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal Government has restated its commitment to deepen cooperation with state governments and security institutions in response to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape, emphasizing intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and stronger governance structures.
The commitment was reiterated on Thursday at the opening of the 2026 Federal and States Security Administrators Meeting (FSSAM), held at the Victoria Gowon Hall in Government House, Jos, Plateau State.
The meeting brought together permanent secretaries in charge of security, state security advisers, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and heads of security agencies across the country to deliberate on issues including internal security, crime intelligence, cybercrime, counter-terrorism, military coordination, and the control of small arms and light weapons.
Chairman of the forum and Permanent Secretary of the Special Services Office under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sani Yargaya, said persistent communal conflicts highlight the need for stronger institutions despite years of investment in peacebuilding.
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He noted that while progress had been made, recurring crises showed that more coordinated and sustained efforts were still required.
According to him, achieving lasting peace will depend on stronger institutions, inclusive governance, and renewed commitment across all levels of government.
He stressed that government alone cannot address the challenges, calling for deeper collaboration and sustained peacebuilding efforts nationwide.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Asishana Okauru reaffirmed the Office’s commitment to building a more coordinated national security architecture anchored on intelligence sharing and structured engagement.
He commended the Plateau State Government for strengthening its security framework through initiatives such as Operation Rainbow, deployment of surveillance drones, and reconstitution of interfaith advisory structures.
Okauru also urged security administrators to prioritise early coordination and timely intelligence sharing, especially as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections, warning against misinformation that could undermine public confidence.
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Plateau State Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, who declared the meeting open on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, described the gathering as a demonstration of confidence in the state’s commitment to peace and security.
She said terrorism, banditry, organised crime, cyber threats, and electoral violence require coordinated responses from all tiers of government and security institutions.
Piyo added that Plateau State’s experience with conflict had strengthened its resolve to promote reconciliation, inter-agency collaboration, and community-based security initiatives.
The meeting is expected to produce recommendations aimed at improving intelligence sharing, strengthening federal-state cooperation, and enhancing Nigeria’s overall security framework in response to emerging threats.