JUST IN: South East Regional Peace and Security on My Mind - Valentine Ozigbo

NaijablaseTv ( Ettah Emmanuel O.)

I recently came across the detailed work of a team of professionals on the South East Regional Peace and Security Initiatives, and I was deeply impressed. Their work is nothing short of seminal, a pivotal response to the escalating security challenges confronting our region. The initiatives outlined in the South East Peace and Security Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the Security Bill, and the accompanying Technical Report provide a comprehensive framework to restore safety, unity, and prosperity in the South East. 

I wholeheartedly support this initiative, and my reasons are both compelling and urgent: 

1. Addressing Critical Security Challenges

The South East is plagued by insecurity, ranging from kidnappings, armed robbery, cult-related violence, to attacks on public infrastructure. Between May 2023 and April 2024, the National Bureau of Statistics reported 110,432 victims of kidnapping in the region, with ₦85.4 billion paid as ransom by affected households. This is in addition to 6.18 million incidents of other crimes recorded during the same period. 

These issues threaten lives, livelihoods, and erode public confidence in governance. They also stifle economic growth and social activities. The proposed Anya-Oha Security Network offers a well-structured, collaborative response, uniting all five South East states under a common security strategy to combat these threats effectively. 

2. Institutionalising Security for Long-Term Stability

The establishment of the South East Peace and Security Network (SEPSN)—supported by a proposed Ministry of Homeland Affairs and a Peacebuilding Commission will create institutions with the capacity for sustainable security management. These bodies will focus on disarmament, conflict prevention, and alternative dispute resolution, while working closely with government agencies to ensure seamless coordination and effective governance. 

3. Strengthening Community-Based Security

The emphasis on local involvement through the Anya-Oha Vigilante Corps and a tiered security structure ensures that communities play an active role in safeguarding themselves. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership, builds trust, and ensures the participation of key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and local leaders. When communities feel responsible for their security, resilience naturally grows. 

No meaningful development can thrive in the absence of security. By creating an enabling environment for businesses and investments, these initiatives are poised to revitalise the South East economy. Improved security will boost investor confidence, protect critical infrastructure, and enable our people to live, work, unwind, and worship without fear. A secure region is a prosperous region. 

The initiatives feature a robust funding structure, including the establishment of Security Trust Funds and innovative mechanisms for resource mobilisation. The National Bureau of Statistics’ Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024 Report revealed that, compared to the national average of ₦80,878, the South East region’s private security expenditure stood at ₦135,398—the highest in Nigeria. 

A well-coordinated Security Trust Fund will reduce the financial burden on individuals while increasing security effectiveness. With built-in provisions for transparency, oversight, and human rights compliance, this approach ensures long-term viability and fosters public trust in the security architecture. 

6. Technological Innovation and Modernisation

Incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as surveillance systems, data analytics, and real-time intelligence sharing, will modernise security operations and enhance our capacity to preempt and respond to threats. This comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy demonstrates a clear commitment by South East governors to not only restore peace but also to inspire confidence in a region brimming with untapped potential. 

I urge every stakeholder, state and local governments, traditional leaders, community members, civil society organisations, and the private sector, to rally behind this initiative. Our collective commitment is the key to unlocking a future of peace, prosperity, and progress for the South East. 

Peace and security are not optional, they are the foundation upon which our future must be built.

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