The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, under the Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Nigeria's security agencies for their proactive actions against terror. This commendation follows a statement by the United States Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs, which acknowledged Nigeria's response to recent attacks in the Middle Belt.
The US Bureau of African Affairs stated that it commends Nigeria's strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups and urged sustained protection of communities in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State. The Bureau expressed its commitment to working with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt. The statement was made on the official X account of the Bureau.
The Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum views the US acknowledgement as evidence that the efforts of the Tinubu administration, coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser, are yielding results. Convener of the Forum, Dr. Danladi Ceceko Dangana, noted that while the battle against terror is not yet won, victory is in sight. He urged Nigerians to support the government and security agencies to ensure the country's safety.
Dr. Dangana called on the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies to sustain decisive operations against bandits, kidnappers, and Boko Haram. He warned that the American commendation should not be seen as a final stamp that the war has been won. According to him, more work remains to be done to ensure every part of Nigeria is safe.
The Forum specifically commended Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his role in building synergy among the security agencies and his diplomatic engagement with the United States. This engagement has helped maintain US-Nigeria relations despite Washington's concerns over the killing of Christians in Nigeria. The Coalition praised Ribadu for backing his promise of a safer country with concrete action.
The Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum expressed its commitment to partnering with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the security agencies until the fight against terror is won. Dr. Dangana emphasized that the American commendation is welcome but not a certificate of completion. He stressed that every person, regardless of religion or ethnicity, should be able to live and work anywhere in Nigeria without fear of attack or killing by terrorists.
The commendation from the civil society group highlights the collaborative efforts between the Nigerian government and international partners in addressing terrorism. The Forum's recognition of the progress made so far and its call for sustained efforts underscore the complexities of the fight against terror.
Key points
- The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria's security agencies for their proactive actions against terror.
- The US Bureau of African Affairs acknowledges Nigeria's strong response to recent attacks from Fulani militant groups.
- The Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum urges sustained efforts to ensure every part of Nigeria is safe for all citizens.
