Why insecurity in the North West remains vicious

Insecurity has greatly affected the image of the country both domestically and internationally especially in the area of the nation’s quest to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Last year, Nigeria was rated 144th position in the 2023 safest countries in the world ranking.  The yearly Global Peace Index ranks 163 independent states and territories according […]

Insecurity has greatly affected the image of the country both domestically and internationally especially in the area of the nation’s quest to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Last year, Nigeria was rated 144th position in the 2023 safest countries in the world ranking.  The yearly Global Peace Index ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness.

For more than decades, issue of insecurity in Nigeria has become something of grave concern to all  citizens, most of whom continue to wonder how the country arrived at such a dastardly situation where no one is safe; and worse still, rather than abate, the problem is escalating and now almost out of control. Insecurity in Nigeria is a recurring phenomenon that threatens the well-being of its citizens. 

After the deadly Boko Haram insurgency which has ravaged the North East was technically defeated, the North-west was plagued into  a surge of  kidnapping, herder-farmer crisis, and banditry.

The conundrums in Kaduna, Katsina Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states remain vicious which have disrupted   socio-economic activities of the people with absence of proven economic drivers.

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This has significantly made daily lives  very  difficult as the  poverty has made recruitment into banditry easy, as little as N500 could lure youths to join the criminal gang.

The situation in the vulnerable local government areas caused untold fear and psychological drift to the people of the affected people.  

To end the problem, concerted efforts are needed as the  challenge poses a severe threat to the north-west and the entire nation where the states and the country at large is treading  dangerously on the edge of the abyss.

These   kidnappers and bandits have more guts to continue perpetrating more crime against armless and defenseless people.

They move from house to house, village to village; towns and to the  market, with AK-47 rifles openly, purchasing foodstuffs and other items with some even collecting tax from the people.

I appreciate Governor Radda’s administration’s stand for declaring boldly that his administration would not have  any   forms of truce with them and would ensure liberating his people from any fear and  eradicating the menace even if it may cost his life. 

True to his assurance, since  the beginning of his administration, security remains his top priority as he displayed unwavering commitment to fight the insecurity in his state. 

Even before his inauguration, he   set up a committee of well-versed senior security personnel who retired from different national security institutions. 

The committee has consulted    with serving and retired security officers from the state to have a complete understanding of the dynamics of insecurity and the operational security architecture in the state.  

Radda’s administration efforts to curtail criminals elements, extrajudicial killing and  their audacity of  roaming towns and villages at their will, wrecking havoc is appreciable.

 The administration has  spent over  N5.4 billion and N2 billion for the procurement of arms and ammunition including purchase of  Armoured Personnel Carriers deployed to the eight prone insecurity areas including Jibia, Safana, Batsari, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, and Dandume.

While addressing the corps, Governor Radda harped on the need for them to be of good conduct and conduct their assignments in a responsible manner. Added that “You are not just protectors, but also role models, mediators and pillars of support. Your uniform is a symbol of hope, assurance and trustworthiness. 

 In spite of his administration’s financial commitments to end the menace, there is a need to collaborate with neighbouring states and  international partners in dismantling transnational criminal networks. 

For the benefit of  hindsight,  the efforts remain an uphill battle; something new has to be tried and the existing laws have to be changed to protect the people of the state along the way. Sometimes you have to try new and creative ways to solve problems of insecurity in the state.

There is a need for further investment in technology and infrastructure, coupled with adequate training and equipping of security operatives to enhance their operational effectiveness and responsiveness.  

Five states    in the North west zone have been hit by an unprecedented wave of  fear and uncertainty. Only Kano and Jigawa states are relatively enjoying a degree of peace.

There is a need for bandits and kidnappers to face  capital punishment. Let there be a death sentence warrant on any criminal elements and  informant who is  convicted.  They should be killed publicly    in  their communities as this would be a deterrent to other underworld elements.

Abba Dukawa  wrote from Abuja can be reach at [email protected]