A civil society organisation (CSO), Concerned Nigerians for Peace, Security and National Unity, has announced plans to stage a peaceful road walk in Abuja on Monday as part of efforts to rally Nigerians against the worsening security challenges confronting the country.
The group said the initiative is aimed at promoting national unity and encouraging citizens to play active roles in supporting efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes that have continued to affect communities across Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the organisation’s convener, Isah Abubakar, said security should not be viewed as the sole responsibility of government and security agencies, stressing that citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders and civil society groups all have important roles to play in safeguarding the nation.
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According to him, the planned road walk will provide a platform for greater collaboration among stakeholders while drawing national attention to the urgent need for collective action against insecurity.
“Security is everybody’s business. While government agencies and security forces have a constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order, citizens, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations also have critical roles to play,” the statement said.
The group noted that Nigeria’s security challenges have evolved significantly over the years, extending beyond the Boko Haram insurgency in Abuja to include widespread incidents of banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes and other forms of violent criminality affecting multiple regions of the country.
Abubakar argued that insecurity cuts across political, ethnic and religious divides, making national cooperation imperative.
“The reality is that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping do not discriminate. Their victims come from different backgrounds and communities across the federation,” he stated.
The call comes at a time when concerns over insecurity have dominated national discourse, with religious groups, labour unions, teachers and civil society organisations demanding stronger measures to protect lives and property.
Recent protests and advocacy campaigns in Abuja and other parts of the country have highlighted growing public anxiety over kidnappings, attacks on communities and threats to schools.
The organisation urged political leaders across party lines to prioritise national security above partisan interests and work together to develop sustainable solutions.
It also called on former Heads of State, retired military officers and public office holders to contribute their experience and expertise toward addressing the country’s security challenges.
Religious leaders were urged to continue preaching peace, tolerance and respect for human life while openly condemning terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and violent extremism.
The group further appealed to communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with lawful security efforts aimed at identifying criminal elements operating within their environments.
“The time has come for all Nigerians to speak with one voice against insecurity. This is not a fight for any government, political party or individual. It is a fight for our collective future, national stability and the protection of innocent citizens,” the statement added.
Warning against the politicisation of security issues, the organisation maintained that lasting success in the fight against insecurity would require strong cooperation between citizens and government institutions.
“No government alone can successfully defeat insecurity without the active cooperation and support of the people,” it said.
