The Federal Government on Wednesday brought together community leaders and officials from 12 local government areas in Niger State – Minna for a physical session of the Citizens’ Assembly, seeking grassroots solutions to escalating security threats.
Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement in the North Central region, Dr. Abiodun Essiet in a statement said the assembly, which included representatives from Mashegu, Edati, Shiroro, Agaie, Agwara, Gurara, Chanchaga, Kontagora, Rafi, Mariga, Munya, and Borgu, focused on collecting direct feedback from residents on local security challenges.
According to her, participants were also updated on federal initiatives to combat terrorist attacks across Nigeria’s North Central zone and beyond.
“Organisers described the event as a critical step in bridging community insights with government action,” she noted.
Dr. Essiet said following deliberations, the session’s lead shared findings during courtesy visits to key state security figures: Niger State Commissioner for Homeland Security Barr. Maurice Bello Magaji, Commissioner of Police CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, and State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) Usman Bello Ibrahim.
The feedback, she said, aims to refine strategies for safeguarding lives and property amid persistent banditry and insurgency in the region.
President Bola Tinubu she announced, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nationwide security, stating it remains a top priority.
NewsQuest reports that North Central zone has seen intensified violence in recent years, with attacks displacing thousands and straining local resources.
Local stakeholders expressed cautious optimism. “This is a chance for our voices to be heard directly,” said one Assembly member from Shiroro, a hotspot for clashes.
Rights groups, however, urged faster implementation of promises, warning that delays erode public trust.
