RismadarVoice Reporters
September 23, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged sustained security operations across the country, assuring Nigerians that efforts to protect lives, livelihoods and communities will continue amid persistent security challenges.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja at a meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, themed “Shared Sacred Flourishing in Nigeria.”
Conveying President Bola Tinubu’s message to the council, Akume acknowledged the impact of banditry, kidnappings, communal violence and terrorist attacks on communities across the country.
“Our nation is still passing through the thorny path of diverse challenges.
“Violence has left deep wounds. We have lost beloved relations, teachers, traders and parents while too many of our children have known fear at school gates.
“None of these tragedies is acceptable to the government. The assurance from the President is that every Nigerian will be adequately protected and no effort will be spared,” Akume said.
He quoted Tinubu as saying the government “will not relent until every Nigerian can live, work, travel, and dream in safety.”
According to the SGF, the Armed Forces, police and other security agencies have intensified joint operations across the country to dismantle criminal networks and counter armed groups.
He said the government was also strengthening intelligence gathering and rapid-response capabilities while improving security around vulnerable locations, including schools, markets and places of worship.
Akume said the Safe School Initiative remained part of measures being deployed to improve protection around educational institutions.
The SGF, however, said military and law-enforcement operations alone would not resolve the country’s security challenges, calling for greater participation by religious, traditional and community leaders.
“All religions must condemn the barbaric tactics of bandits and terrorists because they debase humanity and violate all that our faiths stand for. We must stand together today saying: enough is enough,” he said.
Akume urged religious leaders to promote tolerance and prevent social and economic grievances from developing into ethnic or religious hostility.
He also called on community leaders to intervene early in local disputes before they escalate into violence.
With political activities ahead of future elections intensifying, Akume warned against the use of places of worship for political violence or intimidation.
“Please issue the clear, unambiguous public message: that politics belongs in the ballot, not at the altar or mosque,” he said.
Akume also referenced an interfaith peace accord signed in August 2026 by more than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders under an initiative involving NIREC and the Muslim World League.
He announced that NIREC would hold state-level peace forums before the end of 2026, bringing together security agencies, electoral officials and local interfaith leaders to identify potential flashpoints and promote peaceful political participation.
The SGF said the Federal Government would continue supporting regional peacebuilding programmes, youth and women-led peace initiatives and measures aimed at countering disinformation capable of provoking religious tensions.
He added that plans were underway to establish liaison desks between security agencies and NIREC to improve the exchange of information on potential security threats.
“No community can develop when fear stalks its streets. Every hour of peace is a business that can flourish,” Akume said.
The meeting also featured the unveiling of an Interfaith Anti-Corruption Manual designed to strengthen the involvement of religious leaders in anti-corruption advocacy.
