By Hassan Hussain
A non-governmental organisation, Project 774 Network, is set to convene a National Citizens’ Stakeholders’ Engagement aimed at mobilising Nigerians to support ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity across the country.
The National Secretary of the organisation, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Usaini Gumel, disclosed this in a statement, saying the summit is part of efforts to strengthen national unity and encourage citizens to work alongside security agencies in promoting peace and national development.
According to the statement, the summit, scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, is themed “Our Security, Our Duty: Citizens Standing with Our Troops to End Terrorism, Banditry and Kidnapping.” Proceedings are expected to commence at 9:00 a.m.
DIG Gumel said the initiative underscores the conviction that defeating insecurity requires the collective participation of all Nigerians.
“The Security Summit is designed to mobilise citizens to stand with our troops in the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, while strengthening national unity and advancing peace and development across the country.”
The statement noted that the summit will attract prominent traditional and religious leaders, government officials, security chiefs, lawmakers, governors, members of the judiciary, civil society organisations, development partners, youth and women groups, as well as representatives of the organised private sector and the media.
Among the expected dignitaries are the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who will serve as Convener; the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Most Reverend Daniel Okoh.
Project 774 Network explained that it was founded on the belief that the future of Nigeria depends not only on the quality of leadership but also on the character, responsibility and active participation of citizens.
The organisation maintained that nation-building is a shared responsibility between government and the people.
“We reject the false belief that nation-building is the exclusive duty of government. Likewise, we reject the notion that citizens should remain passive observers of national affairs. Every Nigerian has a role to play in building a peaceful, secure, united and prosperous nation.”
The organisation said its philosophy of Shared National Responsibility promotes accountable leadership, responsible citizenship and stronger institutions as the foundation for sustainable national development.
According to the statement, lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens and institutions work together in trust, while families, schools, religious and traditional institutions, businesses and civil society organisations all play their respective roles in building a disciplined, patriotic and united society.
DIG Gumel stressed that national transformation begins with individual responsibility.
“Millions of responsible actions performed daily by ordinary citizens create extraordinary national progress. Before we seek national transformation, we must begin with personal transformation.”
He added that the future of Nigeria would not be determined solely by those in public office, but also by teachers, parents, entrepreneurs, workers, community leaders and citizens who demonstrate honesty, discipline and commitment to national service.
Project 774 Network described itself as a non-partisan national civic movement committed to promoting ethical leadership, responsible citizenship and collective action as critical ingredients for building a peaceful, secure, united and prosperous Nigeria.
