Combating insecurity in Nigeria
The security challenges of our times are obvious and the security agencies seem to be rising up to the occasion in order to stem the tide. Considering the spate of kidnappings, armed robbery, banditry and incessant clashes between farmers and herders in various parts of the country, the security system is in doubt that there […]
The security challenges of our times are obvious and the security agencies seem to be rising up to the occasion in order to stem the tide. Considering the spate of kidnappings, armed robbery, banditry and incessant clashes between farmers and herders in various parts of the country, the security system is in doubt that there is need for constant retooling and rallying of stakeholders to evolve effective strategies to combat the menace.
In line with the vision of engaging all members of the Nigerian society to join hands with security agencies towards combating these security challenges, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris, recently announced May 11-12, 2017 as new dates for the “National Security Summit on Farmers-Pastoralists Clashes, Kidnapping and Other Forms of Violent Crimes in Nigeria.” The event will provide an opportunity for a sincere dialogue on how to exit the insecurity trap brought about by various forms of criminalities ravaging the country.
The convening of the security confab by the Inspector General of Police is against the backdrop of the spate of crimes that have sent fears down the spines of many Nigerians on the state of security. In view of the concerns expressed by stakeholders in the country, the summit is said to have the blessings of all the 36 state governors, including the FCT Minister, who have been invited and have agreed to attend as guests of honour. Also billed to attend the security confab are Service Chiefs, government functionaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the organized private sector, captains of industry, heads of other sister security and safety agencies, leaders of herdsmen and farmers associations, resource persons and intellectuals, women and youth groups, opinion leaders, stakeholders, among others.
In view of the relevance of security to the wellbeing of a nation, the police boss sees the convention as a crucial aspect in confronting the wave of insecurity. More than anything, the police boss is of the view that solution to current crimes can be found through effective resolution in the collective will of political leadership and communal determination in ridding the country of the scourge.
From the north to the south, the police and other security agencies in the country have been involved in battling criminal elements. Recognising the need for engagement of all societal elements, not a few Nigerians look forward to the evolvement of effective means in combating the spate of crimes plaguing the Nigerian society. Analysts are of the viewpoint that considering the caliber of people due to attend the summit, the vision to evolve effective means of ridding the nation of all forms of criminalities is set to dawn.
Considering the achievements of the military in fighting the menace of Boko Haram in the North-east geo-political zone, the security agencies seem to have the irrevocable willpower to end banditry and all forms of banditry that once posed a disturbing threat to the peaceful coexistence of the nation’s diversity. It is needful for all to avail their plans at the upcoming security confab so as to end the nightmare of insecurity that is battling the nation’s unity.
John Okeke, Kaduna.