Gov. Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Security as South-East Security Summit Holds in Umuahia

Gov. Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Security as South-East Security Summit Holds in Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening security across the South-East, declaring that peace and stability remain the foundation for sustainable development and economic prosperity.

Governor Otti made the declaration on Thursday while hosting the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. The summit was organised by the Federal Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), with the theme: “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability.”

Speaking at the event, the governor described the summit as timely, especially as Nigeria approaches another election season. He stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to prevent political violence and ensure that every citizen is free to participate in the democratic process without fear, intimidation or harassment.

According to Governor Otti, security is the bedrock of development and the pillar upon which economic growth and social progress are built. He noted that the summit provides an opportunity for governments, security agencies and communities to develop stronger strategies for tackling insecurity across the region.

The governor said his administration has continued to strengthen security through improved intelligence gathering, strategic investment in surveillance technology, enhanced collaboration with security agencies and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.

He explained that the government has also prioritised the welfare of security personnel, noting that making crime unattractive and unprofitable has contributed significantly to reducing criminal activities in Abia State and other parts of the South-East.

“The message of this summit is that we are entirely committed to the peace and security of the region. The theme reflects the next phase of our collective efforts in intelligence sharing, resource mobilisation and regional cooperation. We have made crime too costly to be attractive, but this summit is not about celebrating our achievements. It is about planning for the future and staying ahead of criminal elements,” Governor Otti said.

The Special Guest of Honour, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, assured participants of the National Assembly’s commitment to providing the legislative support required to strengthen and modernise Nigeria’s security architecture.

He emphasised that the security of the South-East is vital to national unity and warned that no nation can successfully tackle insecurity through isolated efforts.

Representatives of the Governors of Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi States commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the progress recorded in improving security across the country. They also applauded Governor Otti for hosting the summit and pledged continued collaboration among South-East states to promote peace and regional stability.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, called for deeper collaboration among governments and security agencies, increased intelligence sharing and constitutional reforms to effectively address insecurity in the South-East. He maintained that achieving lasting peace requires both military and non-military approaches.

Kalu also praised Governor Otti’s security initiatives, describing Abia as one of the safest and most peaceful states in the region under the current administration.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the South-East through military operations, infrastructure development, economic empowerment, media literacy and community engagement. He equally commended Governor Otti’s focused leadership in maintaining peace and security in Abia State.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), described the summit as the beginning of a renewed regional effort to promote peace, security and sustainable development. While acknowledging the South-East’s position as a major centre of commerce and innovation, he warned that kidnapping and violent crimes must not be allowed to undermine the region’s economic potential.

General Musa commended the Abia State Government for hosting the summit and appreciated the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East) for partnering with the Federal Ministry of Defence to organise the event.

Delivering the keynote address, former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.), stressed the importance of intelligence-driven policing and community participation in the fight against insecurity. He cautioned against profiling entire communities because of the actions of a few criminal elements, saying such an approach discourages residents from providing useful intelligence to security agencies.

The summit was attended by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, senior military officers, security experts, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders from across the South-East, all of whom reiterated the need for sustained collaboration in building a peaceful, secure and prosperous region.