Northern Youth Groups Launch “Operation Save the North” to Support President Tinubu’s Security Agenda

From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

A coalition of youth groups under the Al-Umman Arewa Youth Enlightenment Initiative, along with 109 other youth organizations from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, has emphasized the urgent need for unity and collective action to secure the country.

This call for collaboration was made during a press conference held in Kaduna yesterday. The statement was read by Comrade Haruna Ahmad Tinau, the National Vice President of the Al-Umman Arewa Youth Enlightenment Initiative, and supported by Mudasir Muhammad Barumi, the National President of the initiative, on behalf of the 109 northern youth groups that comprise the initiative.

The coalition describes itself as dedicated to peace, progress, and national unity, stating that the moment demands decisive collaboration between citizens, state governments, and security agencies.

In their statement, the youth leaders commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his recent “decisive efforts and strategic directions” aimed at addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria. They noted that his administration’s actions reflect a profound and renewed commitment to restoring prosperity and stability across the nation.

The group also acknowledged the Northern Governors Forum, recognizing that as leaders closest to the people, they bear primary responsibility for the security and welfare of the region. The youth coalition affirmed its readiness to support the governors and collaborate with state security agencies to present a unified front against insecurity.

In this spirit, the coalition officially launched “Operation Save the North” (OSTN), a grassroots-focused initiative designed to complement official security forces. OSTN aims to bridge the gap between communities, state governments, and security agencies, fostering trust, enabling intelligence sharing, and promoting local vigilance in formal collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Federal Ministry of Defence.

The initiative includes a clear call to action for every citizen, especially the youth of northern Nigeria:

– **Elevate community vigilance** – Stay alert and report suspicious activities through approved channels.
– **Foster proactive cooperation** – Provide timely, accurate, and actionable information to security operatives.
– **Safeguard the social fabric** – Reject hate speech, ethnic profiling, and the spread of misinformation.
– **Champion unity and tolerance** – Promote dialogue, understanding, and responsible citizenship within communities.

The youth groups also expressed profound gratitude to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) for its pivotal support and encouragement in mobilizing this national effort.

The coalition stressed that while the challenges ahead are significant, their resolve is even stronger. By combining government action at all levels with empowered community partnerships, they believe Nigeria can rebuild confidence, strengthen its social foundations, and restore the peace and prosperity that the north—and the entire country—deserves. “Together, we shall secure our homeland,” the statement concluded.