WELCOME ADDRESS BY ISIAKA MUSTAPHA, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, PEOPLE’S SECURITY MONITOR, AT THE 2026 PEOPLE’S SECURITY MONITOR ANNUAL SECURITY SUMMIT, HELD ON THURSDA, 14TH JUNE 2026THE NIGERIA NATIONAL MERIT AWARD HOUSE, MAITAMA ABUJA 

Protocols.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome all our distinguished guests, security chiefs, military officers, policymakers, civil society leaders, media practitioners and fellow Nigerians to the 2026 People’s Security Monitor Annual Security Summit.

Today, we gather not merely to discuss security challenges but to reaffirm our collective commitment to the peace, stability and unity of our beloved nation. This summit has become an important platform for meaningful conversations on security, governance and national development, and I am honoured to welcome you all to this year’s edition.

Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its history. The challenges confronting us are real, but so too is our determination to overcome them. Across our nation, brave men and women continue to make sacrifices daily to defend our territorial integrity, protect our communities and preserve our democratic institutions. Their courage reminds us that security is not an abstract concept; it is the foundation upon which every meaningful development rests.

As Nigerians, we must understand that insecurity is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a collective challenge that requires a collective response. Criminals do not distinguish between ethnic groups, political parties, religions or regions. 

Their activities affect all of us. Therefore, the fight against insecurity must never be viewed through partisan, sectional or ethnic lenses.

It is important for us as citizens to resist the temptation to politicise security matters. National security should unite us rather than divide us. When insecurity becomes a subject of political contestation, the nation loses focus on the real enemy. Our attention must remain firmly fixed on defeating those who threaten the peace and prosperity of our country.

Nigeria belongs to all of us. It is our collective inheritance, our common home and our shared responsibility. Regardless of our political affiliations, religious beliefs, ethnic identities or social status, we have a duty to protect this nation and safeguard its future. The security and stability of Nigeria must remain a priority for every patriotic citizen.

As we deliberate today, we must remember that no nation can achieve sustainable economic growth, social progress or national cohesion without security. Investors seek stable environments. Communities flourish where peace exists. Families thrive when lives and property are protected. Security therefore remains the cornerstone of national development.

I wish to use this opportunity to commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the commitment demonstrated by his administration in addressing the nation’s security challenges over the past three years.

The Tinubu administration inherited a complex security environment characterised by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, separatist agitations and other forms of criminality. Confronting these challenges has required courage, determination, strategic leadership and sustained investment in the nation’s security architecture.

Over the past three years, the administration has undertaken deliberate measures aimed at strengthening the capabilities of security agencies, enhancing intelligence sharing, improving operational coordination and providing strategic direction in the fight against insecurity. While much work remains to be done, there is no doubt that important efforts have been made to confront these threats.

I also wish to pay tribute to the Defence Minister,  General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their steadfast dedication to the defence of our nation. Their professionalism, commitment and sacrifice continue to inspire confidence among Nigerians.

Similarly, I commend the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Correctional Service and all other security and intelligence agencies for their tireless efforts in safeguarding our nation.

We particularly remember the brave officers and men who have paid the ultimate price in service to their fatherland. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid.

Today’s event is particularly significant because it also highlights a publication examining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s three-year campaign against insecurity. The book seeks to document the policies, initiatives, operations, successes and challenges associated with the administration’s efforts to restore peace and security across Nigeria.

It is our hope that this publication will contribute meaningfully to public discourse by providing insights into the complexities of contemporary security management and the ongoing efforts being made to secure our nation. More importantly, it serves as a reminder that the task of nation-building is a continuous process requiring the support and participation of all citizens.

I firmly believe that with sustained political will, effective security operations, greater citizen participation and stronger collaboration among stakeholders, Nigeria can achieve lasting peace and security. We must support every genuine effort aimed at protecting lives, securing communities and strengthening national unity.

On behalf of the management and staff of People’s Security Monitor, I thank you for honouring our invitation and for your continued commitment to the security and progress of our nation.

Once again, I warmly welcome you all to the 2026 People’s Security Monitor Annual Security Summit.

May God bless you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.