BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
A coalition of 109 youth organisations across the North has unveiled a grassroots security intervention, “Operation Save the North” (OSTN), in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to tackle insecurity and stabilise the region.
The initiative, championed by the Al-Umman Arewa Youth Enlightenment Initiative, was announced on Wednesday at a press conference in Arewa House, Kaduna.
National President of the Initiative, Mudasir Muhammad Barumi, said the renewed steps taken by the Tinubu administration to confront banditry, terrorism and communal violence reflect a clear commitment to restoring peace.
He added that the coalition’s position followed months of assessment of the security situation and the Federal Government’s response.
He noted that youth across the 19 Northern states and the FCT were ready to partner with authorities to strengthen early-warning systems and drive community involvement.
The coalition also acknowledged the Northern Governors Forum for its ongoing efforts to secure communities, saying governors, as first responders, bear primary responsibility for the safety and welfare of citizens.
He described Operation Save the North, as a complementary, not parallel, initiative designed to support official security agencies.
The programme focuses on community vigilance, intelligence-sharing and promoting trust between residents and security operatives.
According to the coalition, the intervention is being executed in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Defence to ensure proper structure, interoperability and accountability.
The groups urged Northern youths to take an active role in safeguarding their communities by reporting suspicious movements, rejecting hate speech, countering misinformation and embracing unity across ethnic and religious lines.
They also expressed gratitude to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for its encouragement and institutional support toward the rollout of the initiative.
Barumi said the task of reclaiming peace in the region demands shared responsibility, adding that coordinated government action and empowered citizens can “rebuild confidence, strengthen social cohesion and restore the prosperity the North deserves.”
The coalition assured that with sustained collaboration, the region “will overcome its present security challenges and secure a safer future for all.”
