Project 774 Network to Host National Security Summit on Citizens’ Role in Ending Terrorism, Banditry

By Ladan Muhammad Nasidi

A non-governmental organisation, Project 774 Network, has concluded plans to convene a National Citizens’ Stakeholders’ Engagement aimed at mobilising Nigerians to support efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.

The summit, scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, is themed “Our Security, Our Duty: Citizens Standing With Our Troops to End Terrorism, Banditry and Kidnapping.” It will take place at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

According to the organisers, the initiative is designed to strengthen national unity, encourage citizen participation in national security efforts, and support the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (mni), is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour and Conversation Lead, while Prof. Sunday Bontur Lugard, Professor of Law at the University of Jos, will deliver the keynote address.

The summit will also feature prominent traditional and religious leaders, including the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II (CON), who will serve as Chief Convener; the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), 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 (CAN), Most Rev. Dr. Daniel O. Okoh (OON).

Other invited participants include representatives of the Presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), members of the National Assembly, state governors, local government chairmen, the judiciary, security and law enforcement agencies, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), traditional institutions, religious bodies, international organisations, civil society organisations, academia, the organised private sector, the media, as well as youth, women and community groups.

Project 774 Network described itself as a non-partisan national civic movement committed to promoting responsible citizenship and ethical leadership as essential pillars for Nigeria’s peace, security and sustainable development.

According to the organisation, its philosophy of Shared National Responsibility is founded on the belief that nation-building is a collective responsibility requiring collaboration between government, institutions and citizens.

The group maintained that while government must provide accountable leadership, citizens also have a duty to uphold integrity, discipline, patriotism and respect for the rule of law. It stressed that families, schools, religious and traditional institutions, businesses and civil society all have critical roles to play in fostering peace, national unity and development.

Project 774 Network further noted that lasting national transformation begins with individual responsibility, adding that the collective impact of millions of responsible actions by ordinary Nigerians can drive extraordinary national progress.

The statement was signed by the National Secretary, DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel (Rtd.).