The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with state governments and security institutions in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges through enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and inclusive governance.
The commitment was reiterated on Thursday at the opening of the 2026 Federal and States Security Administrators Meeting (FSSAM), held at Victoria Gowon Hall, Government House, Jos, Plateau State.
The meeting brought together permanent secretaries responsible for security, state security advisers, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and heads of security agencies across the country to deliberate on issues including internal security, crime intelligence, cybercrime, counter-terrorism, military operations and the control of small arms and light weapons.
Chairman of the forum and Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sani Yargaya, said that despite years of investment in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, persistent communal crises highlight the need for stronger institutions and deeper collaboration.
“While we still live with some of these challenges, we should not in any way think that these efforts did not produce results,” Yargaya said.
He stressed that lasting peace and security could only be achieved through a coordinated and comprehensive approach involving all tiers of government and stakeholders.
“Government alone cannot solve these challenges. There is a need for renewed commitment, stronger institutions, inclusive governance and sustained peacebuilding,” he added.
Yargaya noted that this year’s meeting would feature presentations from specialised centres under the Office of the National Security Adviser, including the National Counter Terrorism Centre and the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre, aimed at improving federal-state security coordination.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Asishana Okauru, said the Office of the NSA remains committed to building a more coordinated national security architecture anchored on intelligence sharing and structured engagement.
He commended the Plateau State Government for strengthening its security framework through initiatives such as the revitalisation of Operation Rainbow, deployment of surveillance drones, reconstitution of the Plateau State Interfaith Advisory Council and the inauguration of a committee on state policing.
“Security today demands coordination, trust and structured engagement across all levels of governance,” Okauru said. “Security is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the presence of good governance.”
He also urged security administrators to prioritise early coordination, timely intelligence sharing and vigilance against misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Piyo, who declared the meeting open on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, described the hosting of the conference as a vote of confidence in the state’s commitment to peace and security.
“It is with profound honour and immense pride that I welcome you to Plateau State, the Home of Peace and Tourism, for this historic meeting,” she said.
Piyo noted that emerging security threats such as terrorism, banditry, organised crime, cyberattacks and electoral violence require stronger inter-agency coordination and joint responses from all levels of government.
“Security is a shared responsibility, and collaboration remains our greatest strength,” she said.
She added that Plateau State’s experience with conflict has strengthened its commitment to reconciliation, improved inter-agency cooperation and community-based security initiatives.
The meeting is expected to produce recommendations aimed at improving intelligence sharing, strengthening federal-state collaboration and enhancing Nigeria’s overall security framework in response to emerging threats.
