Kaduna, Kaduna State — August 5, 2026
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, government representatives, security officials and other stakeholders from across Northern Nigeria have called for a united and coordinated approach to confront the region’s worsening security challenges, warning that political, ethnic and religious divisions must no longer hinder efforts to restore peace.
The call was made on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, during the Northern Peace Summit organised by the Arewa Cohesion for Peace, Unity and Development Initiative in Kaduna. The gathering brought together traditional leaders, religious figures, government officials, security chiefs, civil society organisations, development partners, youth and women groups, academics and policy experts to discuss solutions to insecurity.
Speaking at the opening session of the summit, the convener of the initiative, Abdullahi Idris, said the meeting was organised to develop practical strategies for addressing insecurity and improving cooperation among communities, government institutions and security agencies.
Idris expressed concern that Northern Nigeria has continued to suffer the consequences of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, which have destroyed livelihoods, displaced communities and slowed economic and social development across the region.
“The time has come for Northern Nigeria to rise above political, ethnic and religious differences and work together for the common good,” Idris said. “We can no longer afford the luxury of blame or silence. Our collective resolve must be stronger than the challenges confronting us.”
The convener explained that the summit was aimed at producing practical recommendations focused on strengthening dialogue between communities and government, addressing the root causes of insecurity, tackling corruption and improving community-based peacebuilding efforts.
He emphasised that rebuilding public confidence would require better coordination among institutions, stronger intelligence sharing and increased involvement of communities in security efforts.
Idris also urged traditional rulers and religious leaders to play a more active role in promoting reconciliation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different groups across Northern Nigeria.
Highlighting the importance of youth and women in peace efforts, he said they must be recognised as key partners in developing sustainable solutions to insecurity rather than being treated only as victims of conflict.
“Young people and women are critical stakeholders in peacebuilding and must be actively involved in shaping lasting security solutions,” he stated.
The convener added that the summit was designed to move beyond speeches, with participants expected to develop a regional peace and security framework containing practical steps for implementation.
He disclosed plans to establish quarterly peace dialogues and create a network of community peace and youth ambassadors to maintain engagement, monitor developments and support peace initiatives across the region.
Idris expressed optimism that the initiative could help change the narrative of Northern Nigeria from a region associated with insecurity to one defined by resilience, peace and inclusive development.
“The success of this initiative will depend on our collective commitment to implementing the resolutions that emerge from this summit,” he added.
The summit attracted prominent traditional rulers, religious leaders, senior government officials, security representatives, civil society organisations and experts in peacebuilding, security and public policy.
Participants are expected to adopt a communiqué containing recommendations aimed at improving regional cooperation, strengthening community security structures and promoting sustainable peace across Northern Nigeria.
The summit comes amid continued concerns over attacks by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers in several northern states, with communities and authorities facing increasing pressure to develop more effective approaches to security challenges.
Stakeholders at the gathering agreed that lasting peace would require collective responsibility, stronger institutions and cooperation among communities, government bodies and security agencies.
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