The Northern Traditional Rulers Council for the South-South and South-East Regions has pledged to support security agencies and State Governments in addressing insecurity and promoting peace across the two regions.
The commitment was disclosed on Sunday by the Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Yaro Danladi, while briefing journalists on the resolutions reached during a two-day emergency meeting held in Umuahia, Abia State.
Danladi, who also serves as the leader of the Hausa Community in Abia, said the meeting was convened in response to growing security concerns and the need for proactive collaboration with authorities.
He explained that the council resolved to work closely with state governors, host communities, and security agencies to strengthen peace, harmony, and mutual trust.
According to him, northern communities living in the South-East and South-South have agreed to cooperate fully with their host states and respect local laws.
He said the council emphasised peaceful coexistence with indigenous populations as a core principle guiding the actions of northerners in the regions.
Danladi added that one of the major resolutions of the meeting was to support security agencies through timely and accurate intelligence sharing.
In Abia State, he said representatives would be appointed across the 17 local government areas to ensure the rapid flow of security-related information.
He explained that the structure would allow incidents to be reported within minutes, enabling him to promptly contact the Commissioner of Police, the Department of State Services, or the state security adviser.
Danladi reaffirmed the council’s position against crime, stressing that criminal elements within northern communities would not be protected.
He said anyone found engaging in criminal activities would be arrested and handed over to law enforcement agencies for investigation and prosecution.
He also urged youths from northern communities to conduct themselves lawfully and live peacefully with their neighbours in their host states.
Danladi called on State Governments to work with northern leaders to properly identify and integrate residents, noting that many northerners had lived in the regions for decades.
He said some northern families had settled in the South-East and South-South as far back as the 1940s, intermarrying and building long-standing relationships.
According to him, these historical ties should be preserved and strengthened to prevent misunderstandings and insecurity.
Also speaking, the Leader of the Hausa Community in Enugu State, Alhaji Abubakar Sambo, reiterated the council’s commitment to peace, security, and cooperation.
Sambo, who is also the National Vice Chairman of the Inter-tribal Traditional Leaders Association of Nigeria, said the council was determined to improve relations with host communities.
He explained that discussions at the meeting focused on consolidating peaceful coexistence and supporting State Governments in maintaining security.
Sambo said intelligence gathering within northern communities was identified as a key area of focus.
He disclosed that the council resolved to establish a coordinated structure for northern communities in each state to enhance information sharing and engagement.
According to him, the structure would extend to local governments and communities where northerners reside, including artisans, scrap dealers, and other occupational groups.
He said representatives would be appointed in all locations inhabited by northerners, both Muslims and Christians, to improve coordination, welfare delivery, and security reporting.
Sambo noted that the meeting reaffirmed the traditional role of the Sarkin Hausawa as the recognised leaders and first point of contact for northern communities.
He said matters relating to welfare or community issues should be directed to the palace of the Sarkin Hausawa in each state, in line with long-established traditions.
He added that adherence to traditional leadership structures had contributed to peaceful coexistence for more than a century.
Sambo stressed the importance of collaboration between the council and State Governments, describing it as essential to security and harmony.
In Cross River State, the Head of the Hausa Muslim Umma, Alhaji Garba Lawan, said the Hausa community had enjoyed cordial relationships with host communities and State Governments over the years.
Lawan said northerners in the state had benefited from security protection and other forms of government support, which he described as evidence of sustained peaceful coexistence.
He addressed concerns surrounding the activities of scavengers, noting that the trade was not exclusive to northerners.
He said some indigenous residents were also involved and that the community had consistently sensitised its members on proper conduct through awareness campaigns.
Lawan recalled that scavenging had been banned in Cross River State for over a year due to security concerns.
He said the ban was recently lifted following consultations and agreements between the government and relevant stakeholders.
According to him, those involved in the trade are expected to comply strictly with regulations and avoid illegal activities.
The council expressed optimism that sustained collaboration with State Governments and security agencies would help reduce insecurity and strengthen unity in the regions.
