By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Arewa Cohesion for Unity, Peace and Development Initiative (ACI) has unveiled a comprehensive action plan aimed at tackling the persistent security challenges across Northern Nigeria, pledging to ensure that resolutions reached at its security summit translate into measurable action rather than remaining mere declarations.
The commitment was made on Wednesday during the group’s security summit in Kaduna, where stakeholders drawn from the security sector, traditional institutions, civil society, youth and women groups, and community representatives gathered to deliberate on practical solutions to the region’s security crisis.
Addressing participants, ACI Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, said the initiative was established to move beyond routine conferences by creating a system that assigns responsibilities to relevant stakeholders while monitoring implementation.
According to him, the summit will conclude with a communiqué detailing specific roles for the Federal, State and Local Governments, as well as civil society organisations and community leaders, after which the organisation will engage each stakeholder to ensure compliance.
He disclosed that ACI would establish a monitoring desk at its secretariat to track progress, while peace ambassadors and youth ambassadors would be trained and deployed across Northern states to sustain advocacy and community engagement.
“This initiative will not end with this summit. It is designed to ensure that agreed resolutions are implemented and regularly monitored,” Idris said.
Addressing the root causes
The ACI Director-General maintained that insecurity in the North cannot be defeated through military operations alone, insisting that unemployment, poverty, drug abuse and the Almajiri system remain major drivers of violent crimes and insurgency.
While acknowledging the importance of ongoing military operations, he argued that sustainable peace would only be achieved through policies that create jobs, revive businesses, strengthen education and provide opportunities for young people.
He also called for urgent reforms to the Almajiri system, warning that thousands of vulnerable children remain susceptible to recruitment by criminal and insurgent groups.
On youth mobilisation, Idris said the organisation would engage young people within their respective communities through counselling, empowerment and awareness programmes instead of gathering large groups at central locations.
He described insecurity as the greatest challenge confronting Northern Nigeria, stressing that the campaign would be pursued without regard to ethnic, religious or political differences.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility, and only collective action can restore peace across the region,” he added.
Call for accountable leadership
Speaking as Special Guest, Hon. Dr. Muhammad Ali lamented the devastating impact of insurgency, banditry and violent attacks on communities across Northern Nigeria, noting that years of insecurity have crippled farming, commerce, education and economic development.
He faulted what he described as inadequate and largely reactive responses to the crisis, arguing that temporary measures have failed to address its underlying causes.
Ali urged leaders at all levels to demonstrate greater commitment to protecting lives and property, reminding public office holders that security remains the foremost responsibility of government.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, he advised citizens to prioritise competence, peace and good governance when electing leaders, rather than allowing ethnic sentiments, partisan interests or short-term political incentives to influence their decisions.
Summit resolutions
At the end of the summit, participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting regional cooperation, peaceful coexistence and coordinated action against kidnapping, killings and other violent crimes across Northern Nigeria.
They also resolved to strengthen collaboration among governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and local communities to achieve lasting peace.
ACI announced that its monitoring mechanism would commence immediately, while the first phase of its quarterly community engagement programme is expected to begin in the coming months.
