During the South-East Regional Security Summit in Umuahia on July 30, 2026, Senator General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu emphasized that true security transcends the mere absence of violence; it requires justice, trust, and legitimate authority. He argued that current security threats in the South-East are symptoms of a deeper erosion of public confidence in leadership and institutions.
Nwachukwu proposed a six-point strategy to restore stability. First, he highlighted that intelligence, rather than brute force, is the foundation of effective security. Second, he stressed that security must be a collective effort involving communities, traditional rulers, and civil society, rather than just the police or military. Third, he pointed to economic development and job creation as essential tools to prevent youth radicalization. Fourth, he called for a clear distinction between peaceful political grievances and criminal activity, urging governments to foster dialogue rather than fear it. Fifth, he advocated for seamless regional cooperation between states, noting that criminal networks ignore administrative borders. Finally, he addressed the need to modernize the national security architecture to improve institutional capacity and public perception.
Specifically, Nwachukwu suggested that the current military force structure in the South-East should be reassessed to ensure it aligns with the region’s strategic, demographic, and economic importance. He concluded that while battles are won with tactics, peace is secured through legitimacy and inclusive governance, urging stakeholders to reject division in favor of a collaborative approach to prosperity.
