Rev Kukah Urges Dialogue, Not Weapons, to Tackle Nigeria’s Insecurity

Rev Kukah Urges Dialogue, Not Weapons, to Tackle Nigeria’s Insecurity

At a national security dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, cautioned against the growing calls to arm communities as a response to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, warning that weapons could create new dangers rather than solutions.

“There is a growing belief that communities can defend themselves by arming up. But arms will not solve our problems. They offer a false sense of security. And when peace returns, where will those weapons go?” Kukah said.

The event, themed “A whole-of-society approach to the prevention of violence and conflict in Northern Nigeria,” was convened by the National Peace Committee (NPC), The Kukah Centre, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). It brought together religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society actors, security professionals, and policy experts to explore strategies for strengthening peacebuilding efforts in Northern Nigeria.

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and stabilizing the country. He highlighted progress under the Tinubu administration, including intelligence-driven operations, security reforms, and expanded community-based early-warning systems, which have led to thousands of insurgents surrendering and over 775 terrorism-related convictions.

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“We will defeat terror. We will restore order. We will not give up, and we will not surrender,” Ribadu declared, emphasizing that those attempting to destabilize the country would face decisive action. He also urged practical outcomes from the dialogue, stressing that sustainable peace requires actionable measures that strengthen resilience, rebuild trust, and improve security across the North and beyond.

Rev Kukah rejected arming communities as a solution, describing Nigeria’s security crisis as a symptom of deep social and moral decay. He cited underlying issues such as unstable homes, fragmented communities, and weakened moral foundations as factors enabling banditry and terrorism.

“The scale and depth of our insecurity show that we have reached the lowest point. The good news is that the only direction left is upward,” Kukah said, urging the country to embrace its diversity as a strength rather than a liability.

He emphasized that peacebuilding is a collective responsibility, beginning with individuals, families, and communities. Kukah also highlighted the importance of including women in peace processes, noting that despite forming the majority of the population, many women lack representation in decision-making.

“Women make up the majority of our population, yet many lack a voice. We cannot build peace while excluding half of our population,” he said, calling for humility, justice, and active participation from the government, religious, and traditional authorities.

Rev Kukah Urges Dialogue, Not Weapons, to Tackle Nigeria’s Insecurity