By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in the South-East, describing the region’s stability as essential to Nigeria’s unity, economic prosperity and democratic development.
Spaking at the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit held on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State, the Minister said security remains the foundation for national development, stressing that no society can achieve sustainable growth without peace.
Addressing participants at the summit themed, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” Idris said the South-East’s reputation for enterprise, innovation and resilience makes its security a national priority.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration has adopted a comprehensive security strategy that combines military operations, intelligence-led policing, judicial accountability, economic development and strategic partnerships to combat insecurity across the country.
According to the Minister, the administration has since May 2023 strengthened the operational capacity of the Armed Forces and other security agencies through improved intelligence sharing, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, acquisition of modern equipment and continuous personnel training.
He said the renewed investments have led to significant successes against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements, with security forces dismantling criminal hideouts, rescuing victims and restoring normalcy in affected communities.
Idris also highlighted Nigeria’s growing international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime, noting that partnerships with the United States and other friendly nations have improved intelligence sharing, specialised training, counter-terrorism operations and efforts to cut off terrorist financing.
The Minister said the Federal Government has equally strengthened the rule of law through one of the country’s largest terrorism prosecution exercises under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice through due process.
He stressed that security and development are inseparable, explaining that investments in infrastructure, education, employment and economic opportunities help reduce crime and violent extremism.
Idris cited the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and the South East Development Commission as key initiatives aimed at accelerating infrastructure renewal, boosting economic activities and addressing the region’s developmental priorities.
He added that ongoing investments in roads, rail infrastructure, power and digital connectivity, alongside youth-focused programmes such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), entrepreneurship support and expanded access to finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, are designed to create opportunities and strengthen national security.
The Minister also warned against the dangers of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech, saying criminal groups increasingly exploit false narratives to create fear, divide communities and weaken national cohesion.
He said the Federal Government, through the National Orientation Agency and the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI), is promoting media literacy, responsible digital citizenship and critical thinking to counter extremist propaganda.
Calling on journalists to uphold professionalism, Idris urged the media to avoid sensationalism and refrain from amplifying narratives that advance criminal interests.
He also encouraged traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations and community groups to continue promoting dialogue, social cohesion and cooperation with security agencies.
Speaking on the ongoing debate over State Police, the Minister described the constitutional amendment process as an important opportunity to strengthen grassroots policing and improve community security.
He urged governors, state legislatures, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organizations and the media to engage constructively in the process to build a policing system that is responsive, accountable and effective while preserving Nigeria’s unity.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to the South-East, Idris said President Tinubu’s administration would continue to work with the people of the region to create an environment where businesses can thrive, communities remain peaceful and citizens can pursue their aspirations without fear.
“When the South-East is secure, Nigeria is stronger. When every region enjoys peace, our democracy flourishes. And when we stand together as one people, united by a common destiny, no force can diminish the promise of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Minister said.
