A Civil Society Organisation, Concerned Nigerians for Peace, Security and National Unity, has announced plans to organise a peaceful road walk in Abuja on Monday as part of efforts to mobilise public support for collective action against insecurity and strengthen national unity across the country.
The group said the initiative is intended to draw attention to the urgent need for Nigerians from all walks of life to actively participate in efforts aimed at addressing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime threatening peace and stability in different parts of the country. Convener of the organisation, Isah Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, where he emphasised that security should not be seen solely as the responsibility of government and security agencies.
According to him, the increasing security challenges facing the country require a collective and coordinated response involving citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations and political stakeholders. “Security is everybody’s business. While government agencies and security forces have a constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order, citizens, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations also have critical roles to play,” the statement read.
Abubakar explained that the planned road walk would provide a platform to promote collaboration, encourage public awareness and strengthen the spirit of national unity needed to confront insecurity and social divisions across the country. He noted that the demonstration is expected to bring together Nigerians from different ethnic, religious and political backgrounds in a peaceful show of solidarity against violence and criminality.
According to the statement, participants in the road walk will advocate for stronger community involvement in intelligence gathering, vigilance and support for lawful efforts aimed at combating criminal activities nationwide. The organisation stressed that sustainable peace and security can only be achieved when citizens work together with security institutions and government authorities in protecting communities and promoting social harmony.
Abubakar said the road walk is also designed to send a message that Nigerians must reject divisive narratives capable of undermining national unity and peaceful coexistence. He observed that insecurity has continued to affect economic activities, education, agriculture and social development in many communities, thereby making it necessary for all stakeholders to unite in support of peace-building initiatives.
The group maintained that beyond military operations and law enforcement efforts, there is also a need for stronger civic engagement, youth participation and community-based strategies in addressing insecurity. It added that traditional rulers and religious leaders remain critical partners in promoting dialogue, trust and cooperation within communities, particularly in areas vulnerable to violent crimes and conflicts.
Abubakar further stated that the organisation believes peaceful advocacy and public engagement remain important tools for encouraging accountability, national cohesion and support for lawful measures aimed at restoring peace. He assured that the road walk would be conducted peacefully and in accordance with relevant laws guiding public gatherings and civic activities in the Federal Capital Territory.
The group also called on Nigerians to avoid spreading misinformation, hate speech and inflammatory content capable of worsening tensions or creating unnecessary panic among citizens. Security challenges including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence have remained major concerns in Nigeria in recent years, with various stakeholders repeatedly calling for broader citizen participation in security efforts.
Civil society organisations across the country have continued to advocate stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies as part of measures aimed at improving intelligence gathering and enhancing public trust. Analysts say initiatives promoting unity, civic responsibility and peaceful engagement could help strengthen public support for efforts to address insecurity while encouraging citizens to play more active roles in safeguarding their communities.
The organisers expressed optimism that the Abuja road walk would inspire greater national consciousness and encourage Nigerians to see peace, unity and security as shared responsibilities essential to the country’s development and stability.
