Security experts, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, youth representatives, media professionals, and civil society actors gathered in Abuja on July 10, 2025, for the 2025 BRAVE-IT National Security Breakfast Meeting, where they examined pressing national security and intelligence issues affecting the country.
Organized by BRAVE-IT in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters and the Kalthum Foundation for Peace, the event held at 3JS Hotel, Utako, served as a high-level roundtable featuring critical stakeholders. Discussions focused on the theme: “Pathways to Inter-Agency Collaboration and Citizens Cooperation in the Fight Against Kidnapping, Insurgency and Terrorism in Nigeria.”
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by Sir Dr. AK Peters, National Coordinator of BRAVE-IT, and Mr. Philip Ikodor, Secretary, participants commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their statesmanship and ongoing efforts in tackling terrorism and insecurity across the country. They praised the leadership of the military, the police, and sister agencies for raising the bar in strategic operations and urged them to sustain the momentum.
The forum emphasized that collaboration between security agencies is essential for achieving meaningful progress, noting that rivalry or superiority complex must be discouraged for the greater national interest. Similarly, citizen cooperation was described as non-negotiable, with calls for intensified civic education to encourage communities to work closely with security agencies.
Participants stressed the importance of youth involvement in safeguarding communities, urging them to channel their energy into resisting criminal elements and upholding peace. The need to secure Nigeria’s porous borders—especially along the northern axis—was also raised, with a call for immediate fencing to prevent illegal entry and cross-border threats.
While acknowledging the Tinubu administration’s efforts in increasing funding for the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies, stakeholders advocated for additional budgetary support to address existing gaps in logistics, equipment, and welfare.
Traditional rulers were recognized as vital players in community security, with participants advocating for constitutional recognition of their roles as custodians of intelligence and cultural stability. Religious leaders were cautioned against extremist preachings, and security agencies were urged to act swiftly in preventing such rhetoric from escalating into violence.
Concerns were raised about media narratives that appear to glorify terrorists while casting the military in a negative light. Participants warned that such portrayals could demoralize communities and embolden criminals, urging the media to be more responsible in reporting security issues.
The creation of the Nigerian Forest Security Service was applauded, with forest guards challenged to actively secure forests and ungoverned spaces. Participants also celebrated the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, for publishing the book “Taking a Stand Against Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria,” recommending its distribution to public and institutional libraries nationwide.
Addressing human resource constraints, stakeholders called on the Federal Government to authorize mass recruitment into the Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies to improve manpower capacity.
BRAVE-IT and the Kalthum Foundation for Peace were encouraged to continue partnering with security agencies and other responsible organizations to pursue a terrorism-free Nigeria. The forum strongly condemned the threats and arrogant demands made by terrorist leader Bello Turji, urging local communities to resist his influence.
Participants acknowledged the commitment of Governors Charles Soludo of Anambra, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, and Dikko Radda of Katsina, who have shown leadership in supporting citizens affected by insecurity. The Nigerian Navy and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) were also congratulated for emerging as Star Services of the Year in the BRAVE-IT 2024/2025 Security Scorecard.
To deepen grassroots impact, the meeting recommended regular inter-agency and stakeholders’ security meetings at the local government level and called for stronger protection mechanisms for whistleblowers to enhance intelligence gathering.
In conclusion, participants urged BRAVE-IT to consider expanding the security breakfast meetings to all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, allowing for region-specific discussions and tailored security interventions.
