Vision-one Leadership Development Initiative

*World Press Conference: CSOs to Host National Stakeholders and Civil Society Summit on Border Security, Commend Nigerian Military For Jilli Market Airstrike, Call for Continued Support in Winning the War Against Insurgency*

Distinguished guests and CSOs, members of the press, and fellow Patriotic Nigerians,

We, the representatives of various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), have gathered here today to announce a landmark partnership with the Federal Ministry of Defence, led by General CG Musa rtd, OFR, to host a National Stakeholders and Civil Society Summit on Border Security.

The summit, scheduled for Thursday, 28th May, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja, will focus on the critical theme: "Border Fencing and Interagency Collaboration: The Panacea to Enhance Border Security and Sustainable Development".

Transborder crimes, including terrorism, arms trafficking, human trafficking, and smuggling, pose a significant threat to Nigeria's security and economic development. These illicit activities exploit our porous borders, undermining national stability and prosperity. The CSOs believe that effective border fencing, coupled with robust interagency collaboration, can significantly reduce these crimes and promote sustainable development.

The summit will bring together stakeholders to share best practices, identify gaps in current measures, and recommend solutions to address transborder crimes. Keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions will focus on border security, interagency collaboration, and sustainable development.

We commend the Honourable Minister of Defence, General CG Musa rtd, OFR, for his proactive leadership and commitment to ensuring peace and unity in Nigeria. We also pass a vote of confidence on the Military and other Security Agencies, expressing our full support for their efforts to secure our nation.

We take cognizance of the recent airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force in Jilli market, Borno State, targeting a notorious Boko Haram hub. As reported by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, Jilli market has been confirmed as a hub for Boko Haram insurgents and their logistics suppliers. We echo the Governor's warning against aiding or harboring terrorists and urge all Nigerians to support our security forces.

We reiterate our support for the Nigerian Military and Security Agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. The CSOs urge all Nigerians and the international community to continue supporting our security forces in this critical war against insurgency.

In light of this, we reaffirm our recommendation for "Operation Gun-down Terrorists and other Criminal Elements" as a drastic approach to tackling insecurity in Nigeria. We believe that with sustained efforts and collaboration, we can overcome this menace and build a safer, more secure Nigeria.

The impact of this programme will be significant, leading to enhanced border security, reduced transborder crimes, and improved sustainable development. We call on all stakeholders, including security agencies, government officials, CSOs, and the general public, to partner with us in this initiative. Together, we can make a difference and build a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

The programme will feature prominent speakers, including:
- Keynote address by a renowned expert on border security
- Panel discussions on interagency collaboration and sustainable development
- Interactive sessions on border security management and community engagement

We invite all Nigerians to join us on 28th May, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja, as we work towards a safer and more secure Nigeria.

Thank you.

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Long Live Nigerian Military and Other Security Agencies!!

Long Live CSOs Advocates on Defence and Security Agencies!!!

Long Live Patriotic Nigerians!!!!

Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny
Director General
National Council For Civil Society Organisations (NACCSO)

Comrade Igwe Martin
1st Vice President
West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA)

Chief Ogagwu Dominic
President
Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG)

Comrade Opanchi Jacob

*CSOs Partner with Ministry of Defence to Address Transborder Crimes in Nigeria*

A delegation of credible Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny has paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Defence, General CG Musa rtd, OFR, to seek partnership in addressing transborder crimes, a major factor contributing to terrorism and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.

The Joint Civil Society Organisations, comprising National Council For Civil Society Organisations, West African Action Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, Vision-One Leadership Development Initiative, Young Women Initiative For Peace and Productivity, and Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, among others, are committed to collaborating with the Ministry of Defence to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.

In his remark, the Honourable Minister of Defence, General CG Musa rtd, expressed gratitude to the CSOs for their commitment to advocating against crimes in Nigeria. He emphasized that the involvement and collaboration of every Nigerian is crucial in the fight against insecurity, acknowledging the importance of interagency collaboration and appreciating the great efforts of CSOs in tackling insecurity.

Musa highlighted that information and intelligence sharing remains key to addressing insecurity, calling for partnership to win the war against insecurity. "The Ministry of Defence is committed to working with CSOs and other stakeholders to ensure the security and prosperity of Nigeria," he said.

Rt. Comrade Emmanuel Johnny, leader of the delegation, emphasized the need for Nigerians to come together to support the military and other security agencies in tackling insecurity. He stated that the military needs the support of Nigerians in areas of information and patriotism to eliminate crime in Nigeria.

Johnny sought partnership with the Ministry of Defence to host the forthcoming National Stakeholders and Civil Society Summit on Border Security, themed "Border Fencing and Interagency Collaboration: the Panacea to Enhance Border Security and Sustainable Development in Nigeria." He passed a vote of confidence on the Honourable Minister of Defence, assuring him of the CSOs' continued support and solidarity.

Chief Ogagwu Dominic, President of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, disclosed that addressing hunger and poverty is crucial to tackling insecurity, stating that hunger is a major driver of crime. The First Vice President of West African Action Network on Small Arms and Light Weapons, Igwe Martins, commended the Honourable Minister of Defence for his focus and commitment to fighting insecurity, urging him to continue engaging CSOs and community leaders.

The CSOs delegation also called on Nigerians to support the Minister of Defence in his efforts to secure the nation, urging those sabotaging his efforts to desist.

The National Stakeholders and Civil Society Summit on Border Security is scheduled to hold soon, bringing together stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing border security and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria.

The summit aims to promote synergy among security agencies, CSOs, and other stakeholders to address transborder crimes and enhance national security.

Congratulations