He said: “There is a growing belief that communities can defend themselves by arming up.
“But arms will not solve our problems. They offer a false sense of security. And when peace returns, where will those weapons go?”,Rev Kukah said at a security event in Abuja.
National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to defeat terrorism and restore order.
He said: “We will defeat terror. We will restore order. We will not give up, and we will not surrender.”
They spoke during a national dialogue on “A whole-of-society approach to the prevention of violence and conflict in Northern Nigeria.”
It was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC), The Kukah Centre and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
The high-level gathering brought together religious leaders, traditional rulers, security experts, civil society and policy makers to explore new strategies for stabilising Northern Nigeria and strengthening national cohesion.
Ribadu said the Tinubu Administration had intensified security reforms, strengthened intelligence-led operations and deepened community-based early-warning systems, resulting in thousands of insurgents surrendering and hundreds of convictions.
He declared that Nigeria will not surrender its future to violent criminals.
Ribadu stressed that lasting peace will remain elusive unless citizens, communities and institutions collaborate actively with the government.
He said: “We have recorded 775 convictions in terrorism-related prosecutions.
“Each one represents not just a statistic, but a life restored and a community stabilised.
“These achievements reflect what becomes possible when government institutions, the judiciary, security agencies and communities work together in good faith.”
He warned that anyone attempting to destabilise the country would face the consequences.
The NSA added: “Let me be clear. Any individual or group who exploits communities, spreads terror or attempts to undermine national unity will face decisive action.
“Nigeria remains fully committed to law, order and the protection of citizens.”
Despite the challenges, he insisted that Nigeria remains resilient.
“Our country has gone through difficult periods, perhaps more than many nations, but we are still standing.
“We are the only functioning democracy in the Sahel region, and we must protect that achievement.”
Ribadu, however, cautioned against complacency.
He said the dialogue must lead to tangible outcomes.
“Sustainable peace requires that discussions like this should not end with speeches.
“We must translate them into concrete, measurable actions that strengthen resilience, rebuild trust and improve security across Northern Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
He also emphasised that security begins from the grassroots, not at the federal level.
Appealing for patience and cooperation from traditional and religious leaders, the NSA added: “We are going through painful times, but this phase will pass.
“I ask for continued prayers, understanding and moral leadership. We will defeat terror. We will restore order. We will not give up, and we will not surrender.”
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