The Delta State Government has urged Nigerians to play a more active role in tackling insecurity, stressing that citizens do not need to carry weapons to make meaningful contributions to the fight against crime and terrorism.
The call was made on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, while receiving members of the Non-Governmental Organisation, United for Good Governance and Better Life, at Government House in Asaba.
The group, led by Mr. Ezeli Tony, was on a peaceful advocacy campaign aimed at promoting collective action for better governance, improved security and national development.
Addressing the delegation, Emu said insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges and requires the cooperation of citizens, communities, civil society organisations and security agencies.
According to him, intelligence gathering and timely reporting of suspicious activities are among the most effective ways ordinary Nigerians can help combat criminality.
“You do not need to carry a gun to contribute to security. A single act of whistleblowing can save lives,” he said.
The SSG noted that many individuals involved in criminal activities are often known within their communities, warning that silence and indifference only embolden criminals and make security challenges more difficult to tackle.
He encouraged Nigerians, particularly young people, to embrace the principle of “If you see something, say something,” stressing that valuable information from citizens can help prevent attacks, expose criminal networks and protect lives.
Emu also emphasized that security should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of government or security agencies, describing it as a collective civic duty that requires active participation from everyone.
He further urged civil society groups and concerned citizens to go beyond criticism by offering practical solutions and collaborating with authorities to address security threats across the country.
Speaking on the importance of unity, the Delta government official said every life lost to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping or other forms of violence represents a tragedy for families, communities and the nation as a whole.
“Every life matters. Whether it is a child, an elderly person, a civilian or a security officer, the pain of loss affects us all. This is why we must unite against terror,” he said.
Emu disclosed that the Delta State Government is planning a state-wide security summit that will bring together traditional rulers, security agencies, intelligence experts, youth groups, hunters, forest guards and other stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for improving security.
He also warned against political violence, noting that insecurity often intensifies during major political seasons and stressing that democracy should never be pursued through bloodshed or actions capable of destabilising the country.
Earlier, the leader of the advocacy group, Mr. Ezeli Tony, said the organisation had launched a nationwide campaign tagged #UnitedAgainstTerrorism to mobilise Nigerians against the growing threats of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
He explained that the campaign, which began in Delta State, would expand to other parts of the country through community outreach programmes and digital engagements aimed at promoting collaboration between citizens, government and security agencies in building a safer Nigeria.