Abuja Demonstrators Demand Unified Action Against Insecurity and Corruption

Civil society advocates took to the streets of the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday to demand an immediate end to partisan politics regarding Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis. Organizing under the banner of the United Against Terror Movement (UATM), the group staged its third peaceful solidarity march, calling for a unified national strategy to combat terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and institutional corruption.

Demonstrators marched through major areas of the capital city holding banners and placards that characterized widespread insecurity as an existential threat to the nation’s stability, economic growth, and long-term development. The organizers urged political leadership, traditional rulers, and religious bodies to build a non-partisan consensus focused entirely on reclaiming public safety.

Speaking during the rally, UATM Co-Convener Okai Austin emphasized that the severity of the crisis requires a shift away from political blame games toward collective responsibility.

“Insecurity and corruption have become heavy national burdens that require action beyond political lines,” Austin stated. He added that national security must remain a shared responsibility across all levels of society rather than a point of political exploitation.

The movement called on the Federal Government to officially treat the surge in regional kidnappings and insurgent attacks as a full-blown national emergency. Protesters warned that the persistent security lapses threaten to completely erode public confidence in state institutions and decimate social cohesion.

To counter these threats effectively, the demonstrators outlined several immediate requirements, including enhanced intelligence gathering, better tactical coordination among separate law enforcement and military agencies, and robust civic backing for frontline security personnel.

The rally marks an acceleration of the movement’s advocacy campaigns, with leaders promising to sustain peaceful civic engagements until the government implements more transparent, accountable, and aggressive counter-terrorism policies.