Tinubu Urges Traditional, Religious Leaders To Help Fight Insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has urged traditional rulers and religious leaders across Nigeria to play a more active role in the fight against insecurity by supporting security agencies and promoting peaceful coexistence in their communities.

Tinubu made the call while addressing participants at the National Defence College Course 34 graduation ceremony in Abuja, where he emphasised the importance of cooperation between government, security institutions and community leaders.

The President, represented at the ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said traditional and religious leaders possessed valuable knowledge of their communities and could help security agencies identify threats before they escalate.

He urged them to use their influence to discourage criminal activities, support peacebuilding efforts and encourage citizens to provide useful information to authorities.

Tinubu said the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, piracy and organised crime could not be left entirely to the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

According to him, community participation was essential because residents are often the first to notice unusual movements or activities that could indicate impending security threats.

The President maintained that strengthening national security remained fundamental to achieving Nigeria’s economic ambitions.

He said businesses could only thrive in an environment where citizens, investors and communities felt safe.

Tinubu linked security to economic development, arguing that peaceful communities create opportunities for enterprise, employment, investment and improved living standards.

He said the Federal Government would continue to provide the Armed Forces and other security agencies with equipment, training, resources and institutional support to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.

However, he stressed that government efforts would be more effective when complemented by cooperation from traditional institutions, religious organisations and local communities.

Traditional rulers have historically played important roles in conflict resolution, community mobilisation and maintaining social cohesion across Nigeria.

Religious leaders also wield considerable influence and regularly engage large numbers of Nigerians through places of worship and community programmes.

Tinubu therefore encouraged both groups to use their platforms to promote tolerance, discourage hate speech and prevent young people from being recruited into criminal and extremist groups.

He also urged community leaders to work closely with security agencies while ensuring that intelligence provided by residents is handled responsibly.

The call comes amid persistent security challenges in several parts of Nigeria, including terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and organised criminal activities.

The administration has continued to describe national security as a major priority under its Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu said Nigeria’s security challenges required a coordinated response involving government institutions, communities and citizens.

He urged traditional and religious leaders to strengthen their partnership with security agencies and contribute to creating safer communities.

The President expressed confidence that closer cooperation between security institutions and community leaders would improve intelligence gathering, strengthen early warning systems and support efforts to protect lives and property across the country.