SECURITY AND DEFENCE
When Communities Are Safe, the Nation Has Less Security Work to Do” – Ferdinand Ikwang
“When Communities Are Safe, the Nation Has Less Security Work to Do” – Ferdinand Ikwang
By Joseph Ekong
Community defence expert and DDR Specialist, HH. Dr. Ferdinand Ikwang, has stressed the need for stronger grassroots security, saying safe and secure communities would significantly reduce the burden on national security agencies.
Dr. Ikwang, who is also the monarch of Adoro Atabong in Eket, made the remarks on Friday, August 21, 2026, while serving as a panelist at the Inclusion and National Security Summit 2026 in Abuja.
Speaking as a panelist at the summit themed “Advancing Women’s Leadership for Inclusive Governance and Security,” Dr. Ikwang noted that most threats to national peace begin at the local level. He urged the government to empower the 774 Local Government Areas to protect and defend their communities as provided for in the Constitution.
Also, he commended the role of relevant institutions and applauded the “silent” women who work in covert situations to keep the nation safe.
“Sustainable national progress and safer communities rely on a whole-of-society approach rather than military strategies alone,”
“A safe community is a safe nation. When the community is safe, the nation will have less work to do regarding security. Empower the 774 Local Government Areas to protect and defend their communities as the Constitution specifies, and you will not have to worry about security,” he added.
“Crime is local. The Eket Local Government experience makes us believe that inclusive security where traditional rulers, stakeholders, women, and youths working with government security forces on the ground can stem the tide of insecurity and violence at the community level. The nation benefits when the community is safe and secure,” he said. 