The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, under the Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Nigeria's security agencies for their efforts against terrorism. This commendation comes after the United States Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs praised Nigeria's response to recent attacks in the Middle Belt. The US also expressed its readiness to continue working with the Nigerian Government to protect communities in the region.
The US Bureau of African Affairs stated that it commended Nigeria's response to the latest attacks and urged the government to sustain efforts to protect communities in Barkin Ladi, Plateau State. The statement was made on the bureau's official X account. The US also emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum and paying particular attention to the security of communities in Barkin Ladi. This statement was seen as an indication that the efforts of the Tinubu administration were beginning to yield results.
The Convener of the Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum, Dr Danladi Ceceko Dangana, welcomed the acknowledgement from Washington but cautioned that the battle against terrorism was far from over. He urged Nigerians to support the government and security agencies in their efforts to restore lasting peace across the country. Dangana also called on the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to sustain operations against bandits, kidnappers, and Boko Haram insurgents.
Dangana emphasized that the US commendation should not be regarded as evidence that the war against terrorism had been won. He stated that more work was required to ensure that every part of Nigeria was safe and that citizens could live and work anywhere in the country without fear of terrorist attacks. The Forum also singled out Ribadu for commendation, citing his efforts to strengthen coordination among security agencies and his diplomatic engagements with the United States.
According to the coalition, Ribadu's diplomatic engagements with the US have helped sustain US-Nigeria relations amid concerns expressed by Washington over attacks on Christian communities in parts of the country. The Forum said the NSA was backing his commitment to a safer Nigeria with concrete actions rather than rhetoric. This was seen as a significant development in the fight against terrorism.
The Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum would continue to collaborate with the Office of the National Security Adviser and security agencies until terrorism was defeated, according to Dangana. The coalition emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and support in the fight against terrorism. The statement was signed by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations under the auspices of the Middle-Belt Pan Nigerian Forum.
The commendation from the civil society groups highlights the progress made by the Tinubu administration in the fight against terrorism. The US commendation is seen as a testament to the efforts of the Nigerian government and security agencies. Key initiatives and collaborations will continue to be crucial in ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.
Key points
- The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations commends President Tinubu, NSA Ribadu, and security agencies for proactive actions against terrorism.
- The US Bureau of African Affairs praises Nigeria's response to recent attacks in the Middle Belt and urges sustained efforts to protect communities.
- The civil society groups emphasize that the battle against terrorism is far from over and call for continued support and collaboration.
