Nigerians, security agencies must shift from mistrust to collaboration to tackle insecurity, says Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says Nigerians and security agencies must move from mutual distrust to collaboration to overcome security challenges in the country.

Jonathan spoke in Abuja on Thursday at a dialogue on security and civic engagement in Nigeria organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) in Abuja.

The former president said growing insecurity threatens the country’s unity and economic development, noting the need for a continuous review of security measures to overcome the challenges.

He said security is a collective responsibility that involves the collaboration of the government, security agencies, and citizens.

“Citizens often feel frustrated by delays in justice, heavy-handed security measures, and the challenge of accountability in governance,” NAN quoted Jonathan to have said.

“Security agencies, on the other hand, operate under immense pressure, expected to maintain law and order despite limited resources, institutional constraints, and the complexities of modern security threats.

“This situation has created a cycle of mutual suspicion.

“Hence, this roundtable presents an opportunity to break the cycle of misunderstanding and clear misconceptions and build a better synergy and cooperation between security forces and the public.

“In the bid to achieve a peaceful, stable, and democratic Nigeria, these two interests will have to move from a position of mistrust to one of cooperation.

“We must move from a state of suspicion to a culture of trust, from conflict to cooperation, and from fear to mutual understanding.”

Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), represented by Samad Akesode, the director of communication in his office, said security agencies are committed to a rights-based approach that upholds human rights in their engagement.

Ribadu said there is a need for collaboration in the efforts towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.