CITIZENS COMPASS —The Civil Society Coalition on Sustainable Development (CSCSD), yesterday, recommended some useful tips to combat lingering insecurity in some parts of Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Tola Winjobi(PhD), National Coordinator and Prof. Mrs Olubunmi Ashimolowo Chairperson, Think-Do Tank Group, the Group expressed worries about what it described as “heightened insecurity across Nigeria” and expressed deep concern over this.
It called for “coordinated efforts to address these threats to the nation’s stability and the well-being of its citizens.”
According to the statement, “The coalition notes the following security challenges that demand immediate attention:
“Reports of bandits attacking military bases, looting homes, and destroying vehicles raise questions about the security apparatus’s effectiveness. CSCSD urges the government to fortify military installations and enhance counter-terrorism efforts.
“Disturbing reports from Ifon in Ondo State and Akoko-Edo LGA Forests reveal kidnappings by Fulani militants clad in full military uniforms. This tactic not only endangers lives but also undermines public trust in security forces. Immediate and decisive action is essential to curb this menace.
“The llaunch of a 2140-man Nomad Fulani Vigilante Group in Nasarawa State by Miyetti Allah, with the apparent endorsement of a state governor, adds a layer of complexity to the security situation. This development demands careful scrutiny and assessment of its potential impact on the overall security landscape.
“Recent abductions in Abuja, where perpetrators invaded private properties, forcibly took entire families, and looted homes, are deeply troubling. CSCSD condemns these heinous acts and calls for urgent action to apprehend the perpetrators and secure the affected communities.
“Similar incidents of insecurity, including abductions and violent attacks, have been reported across the Eastern and Western regions. The gravity of the situation necessitates comprehensive and immediate intervention to safeguard the lives and properties of citizens.
The Group recommended the following;
CSCSD calls on the government to allocate additional resources for the training, equipping, and welfare of security forces.
Immediate action is necessary to enhance their capacity to respond effectively to emerging threats.
“Invest in advanced intelligence-gathering technologies and foster collaboration between intelligence agencies to preempt criminal activities. The coalition emphasizes the need for community-based surveillance programs to encourage citizens’ active involvement.
“Implement comprehensive poverty alleviation and job creation programs to address underlying economic factors contributing to insecurity. These interventions should particularly focus on regions most affected by violence.
“Strengthen the legal framework to ensure swift and fair prosecution of criminals, thereby deterring potential offenders. Collaboration with the judiciary to expedite the adjudication of cases related to insecurity is crucial.
“A national dialogue involving all stakeholders to address the root causes of ethnic and religious tensions contributing to insecurity.
Open discussions on national security policies are essential for fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
