Shettima urges proactive security measures at Kogi Summit

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for proactive and coordinated measures to tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, stressing the need for foresight, collaboration and early response to emerging threats.

Shettima made the call on Tuesday at the Kogi State Security Summit and the launch of a N500 billion security trust fund in Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Ahmadu.

According to the vice president, nations must anticipate dangers before they escalate, noting that effective security management depends on collective vigilance and timely action.

He commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo for convening the summit, describing it as a demonstration of urgency, foresight and commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

“Kogi State occupies a strategic position as a gateway connecting different regions of the country. While this is an advantage, it also comes with significant security responsibilities that require careful planning and coordination,” he said.

Shettima noted that Nigeria inherited a complex security landscape shaped by years of neglect, economic pressures, communal tensions and criminal activities, warning against complacency amid increasingly organised and adaptive threats.

He reaffirmed that security remains a top priority under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, adding that efforts were ongoing to strengthen both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, including improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and peace-building initiatives.

According to him, initiatives such as the Kogi security summit complement federal efforts by integrating local knowledge, community participation and institutional partnerships.