Sultan of Sokoto Advocates Peace for Northern Development

At a peace summit organized by the Arewa Peace, Unity, Cohesion and Development Initiative (APUCDI) in Kaduna, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad, asserted that peace is the only pathway to enduring development in Northern Nigeria. Represented by Alhaji Lamido Sanusi, the Sultan emphasized the importance of community policing in addressing banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.

He urged the community to confront internal threats, stating, “We must wake up and fight the enemies within.” Dr Abdullahi Idris, Director-General of Arewa Cohesion, called for unity in tackling insecurity, highlighting the need for a collective response to the region's challenges. Professor Murtala Ahmed Rufai from the Office of the National Security Adviser advocated for intelligence-led operations and community-based early warning systems.

He stressed the importance of involving traditional rulers, women, and youth in governance and peace committees to strengthen the region's security framework.