Dasuki urges Tinubu to strengthen ties with Niger to curb insecurity

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — Abdussamad Dasuki, the House of Representatives member for the Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency in Sokoto State, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deepen diplomatic and security ties with the Republic of Niger in order to curb the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s North‑West region.

Dasuki made the appeal on Tuesday in Sokoto, shortly after he received an award from elders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in recognition of his service to the Kebbe/Tambuwal constituency.

The lawmaker said that closer cooperation between Nigeria and Niger could strengthen efforts to tackle cross‑border crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, arms trafficking and terrorism.

He explained that the shared border makes joint operations and intelligence sharing essential for effective security measures.

“I am seriously advising the governors to prevail on the President to ensure that we improve our relationship with our neighbours, Niger Republic. The current state of relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic is not healthy and it is not a good omen for security,” Dasuki said.

Dasuki noted that many security challenges in the region have cross‑border dimensions, underscoring the need for cooperation among neighbouring states.

The federal lawmaker stressed the importance of stronger intelligence sharing, enhanced border surveillance and coordinated actions to address criminal activity along the frontier.

He also expressed concern over the security situation in parts of the North‑West, where communities continue to face threats from banditry and other criminal activities.

Dasuki pledged to continue supporting policies and initiatives aimed at improving security and protecting lives and property in Sokoto State and across the country.

The Deputy Minority Leader called for a comprehensive approach to tackling insecurity, including measures to address its underlying causes while strengthening security institutions.

He renewed his support for the recruitment and deployment of additional forest guards, arguing that increased monitoring of forests and remote areas could help curb criminal activity.

On the issue of state policing, Dasuki said state governments have the capacity to support state police structures if such a framework is established through constitutional processes.

The lawmaker also commended former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, describing him as a leader committed to public service and national development.

He expressed appreciation to the ADC elders for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to effective representation and democratic accountability.

Dasuki also praised the leadership of the ADC in Sokoto State under Abdullahi Maigwandu and expressed confidence in the party’s future prospects.

Speaking at the event, Maigwandu commended the lawmaker’s constituency development and empowerment initiatives.

Similarly, Chairman of the ADC Elders in the constituency, Abubakar Sadiq Sanyinna, lauded Dasuki’s efforts in supporting constituents and promoting grassroots development.

The event highlighted growing calls for enhanced regional cooperation as part of broader efforts to address security challenges affecting Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.