The Federal Government has restated its commitment to strengthening cooperation with state governments and security agencies in addressing the country’s growing security concerns through improved intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and inclusive governance.
This position 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 in charge of security, state security advisers, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and senior officials of security agencies across the country to discuss issues including internal security, cybercrime, counter-terrorism, intelligence coordination, and arms control.
Chairman of the forum and Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sani Yargaya, said Nigeria’s security challenges require sustained collaboration and stronger institutional frameworks.
He noted that although past efforts in peacebuilding and conflict resolution have yielded results, persistent crises show the need for deeper coordination among all levels of government.
Yargaya stressed that government alone cannot address the country’s security problems, adding that lasting peace would depend on inclusive governance and stronger partnerships.
He also disclosed that this year’s meeting would feature presentations from key security and intelligence institutions under the Office of the National Security Adviser, including the National Counter Terrorism Centre and the National Cybercrime Coordination Centre, to improve federal and state coordination.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Asishana Okauru reaffirmed the commitment of the Office of the NSA to building a more unified national security system anchored on intelligence sharing, structured engagement, and effective governance.
He emphasized that security goes beyond the absence of conflict, describing it as a product of good governance, coordination, and trust among institutions.
Okauru also praised the Plateau State Government for strengthening its security framework through initiatives such as the revitalisation of Operation Rainbow, deployment of surveillance technology, and the reconstitution of advisory security councils.
He urged security administrators to prioritise early coordination and timely intelligence sharing, especially as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, warning against misinformation that could undermine public confidence.
Plateau State Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, who represented Governor Caleb Mutfwang, said hosting the meeting reflects confidence in the state’s commitment to peace and security.
She noted that Nigeria’s security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, cyber threats, and electoral violence, require coordinated responses at all levels of government.
Piyo added that Plateau State remains committed to reconciliation efforts and community-based security strategies, stressing that peace is achievable through strong leadership and unity of purpose.
The meeting is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing, improving federal-state collaboration, and enhancing Nigeria’s overall security framework.
