By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, said yesterday that the ongoing insecurity in the northern part of the country was caused by poverty, unemployment, and institutional failures, among other factors.

Speaking at the inaugural international lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria, Abubakar urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the fight against insecurity, noting that combating insecurity was the responsibility of every individual.

While calling on citizens to collaborate with the government and security agencies to address the challenge, he said: “Permit me to note, that at the heart of the insecurity in this region, among other factors, are the undercurrents of poverty and unemployment, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, weak governance and institutional failures, as well as climate change and environmental degradation.

“These factors have certainly created a fertile ground for insecurity to thrive, with devastating impacts on our dear nation. We must not, however, lose faith in our capacity to rise above the storms of insecurity, as this challenge is the responsibility of every Nigerian, and, indeed, all Africans.

“Not only must we work together to find solutions to our country’s security challenges, we also owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to create a safer and more prosperous nation. May peace reign in our region and the world at large.’’

In his remarks, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the country had been vulnerable to conflict due to its shared borders with several Sahelian countries.

“Nigeria shares a long and porous border with several Sahelian countries caught up in conflict, making us vulnerable to the spillover effects of their conflicts.

“This not only threatens our security but also challenges our capacity to maintain effective control over our borders.”

“Notwithstanding, the country is winning the war against insecurity. Since the assumption of office 16 months ago, 12 aircraft have been acquired to boost the fighting capacity of our armed forces.”