The Senate Adhoc Committee on South-East/North-East of the National Security Summit 2025 has reiterated its strong determination to restore lasting peace, stability, and security across the South-East region. This assurance was given by the committee’s Chairman, Senator Austin Akobundu, during the zonal security summit held in Enugu on Thursday.
The summit, themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s National Security Architecture: Innovation, Collaboration and Resilience in a Changing World,” brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, community leaders, civil society groups, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, political representatives, and other critical actors from across the region.
Senator Akobundu emphasized that the National Assembly remains fully committed to supporting initiatives aimed at tackling insecurity and restoring normalcy in all affected communities. He noted that the Senate will continue to champion stronger inter-agency collaboration among the nation’s security bodies, stressing that effective cooperation is vital to addressing the complex security challenges facing the South-East.
He assured stakeholders that the National Assembly would not only allocate the necessary financial resources required for security operations in the region but would also ensure timely release of funds to enable security agencies carry out their duties effectively.
According to him, restoring the South-East to its rightful position of peace, economic progress, and social stability cannot be achieved without collective responsibility, consistent engagement, and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.
Senator Akobundu expressed profound appreciation to security personnel, religious leaders, traditional rulers, the media, and community leaders for their persistent efforts to curb insecurity in the region, encouraging them to remain steadfast in the struggle.
He particularly hailed security officers on the frontlines, acknowledging their sacrifices and describing them as “the nation’s greatest assets and true heroes in the ongoing war against extremism and criminality.”
Explaining the purpose of the National Security Summit, the committee chairman stated that the Senate decided to hold the summit as a platform for Nigerians especially those directly affected by violence to contribute to a collective search for lasting, comprehensive, and conclusive solutions to insecurity.
He stressed that despite ongoing efforts by government agencies and community stakeholders, insecurity in the South-East continues to worsen, leaving devastating impacts on individuals, families, and the entire socio-economic environment.
Senator Akobundu listed several dire consequences of insecurity in the region, including: Widespread displacement of entire communities, Abandoned farmlands and disrupted agricultural activities, Closure of schools and a decline in academic performance, Growing levels of poverty, hunger, disease, and illiteracy, Destruction of property, loss of lives, and psychological trauma
He lamented that the once-thriving educational sector of the South-East long considered a benchmark of excellence, has suffered major setbacks, with reduced enrollment and declining participation in national and international examinations.
The senator further condemned the Monday sit-at-home order imposed by certain non-state actors, stating that it has inflicted deep wounds on the region’s economy, crippled businesses, and heightened fear among residents.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uche Ugwu, described the summit as a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to engage in genuine dialogue, understand the root causes of insecurity, and jointly explore workable solutions.
He highlighted the importance of addressing insecurity with sincerity, courage, and a willingness to accept shared responsibility. According to him, real progress can only be achieved when governments at all levels, security agencies, traditional institutions, youth groups, and civil society organisations work in synergy.
Ugwu called for sustained engagement that prioritizes community involvement, accountability, and transparency, stressing that peace-building requires long-term commitment and honest collaboration.
The Enugu summit marks another significant step in the Senate’s broader national effort to rebuild trust, strengthen public security institutions, and ensure peace returns to regions affected by violence and criminality. The strong show of unity among stakeholders reflects a growing determination to chart a new path forward one built on cooperation, resilience, and shared vision.
With commitments from both federal and state actors, alongside the support of local communities and security agencies, the Senate expressed confidence that the South-East can overcome its current challenges and return to the path of stability, growth, and sustainable development.
