Security
Clamour for State Police gains traction at security conference
***As Arase recommends citizens’ engagement
***Wike expresses confidence that efforts against insecurity in FCT is yielding results
The chairman Police Service commission Dr. Solomon Arase on Thursday recommended citizens’ engagement in the fight against criminality through a multi-faceted approach that involves building trust, empowering citizens and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for public safety.
Arase’s recommendation was made in a paper titled: “Strenghtening Security: Engaging Citizens in Nigeria’s fight against crime and criminality” which he presented at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)/New Star Newspaper organised National Security Comference on Thursday, at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja
proffered a lasting solution to the heightened security challenges in the country that has almost defied all possible solution,
“By implementing initiatives such as community policing forums, crime reporting apps, and neighborhood watch programs, communities can work together with law enforcement to prevent crime and create safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.
There are several initiatives that can be implemented to engage the citizenry in crime fighting, including Community Policing Fora therough Establishment of community policing fora where citizens can meet with law enforcement officials to discuss crime trends, share information, and collaborate on crime prevention strategies.
Accoeding to him, the fora can help build trust and cooperation between the community and law enforcement and empower citizens to take an active role in crime prevention.
Another initiatives Crime Reporting Apps is in developing mobile applications that allow citizens to report crimes anonymously and securely. “These apps can provide a platform for citizens to share information about suspicious activities, crimes, and other concerns with law enforcement, helping to improve response times and reduce crime rates.
Neighborhood Watch Programs he said encourage citizens to form neighborhood watch programs to monitor and report suspicious activities in their communities.
He said, the programs can help deter criminals and provide an extra layer of security for residents.
Explaining further he indicated that Education and Awareness Campaigns is crucial to inform citizens about crime prevention strategies, importance of reporting crimes, and how to stay safe.
“These campaigns can be conducted through community meetings, social media, and other channels.
“Establishing volunteer programs that allow citizens to contribute to crime prevention efforts. Volunteers can assist law enforcement with tasks such as patrolling neighborhoods, conducting safety audits, and organizing community events.
“Organizing citizen patrols where trained volunteers patrol neighborhoods and report suspicious activities to law enforcement. These patrols can help deter criminal behavior and provide a visible presence in the community.
He canvassed for engaging young people in crime prevention efforts through initiatives such as youth mentorship programs, after-school activities, and community service projects. “These programs can help keep young people engaged and provide them with positive outlets for their energy and creativity.
Other solutions he said should include establishing victim support services that provide counseling, legal assistance, and other support to crime victims and their families.
“These services can help victims recover from the trauma of crime and provide them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
He reiterated the need to encourag citizens to participate in civic activities such as town hall meetings, community cleanups, and local government initiatives.
“This can help foster a sense of community and collective responsibility for crime prevention.
“Forming partnerships between law enforcement, businesses, and community organizations to develop and implement crime prevention strategies can leverage resources and expertise from multiple sectors to address crime more effectively.
The former inspector General of police said the fight against crime in Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, community leaders, and individual citizens. While progress has been made in some areas, such as the establishment of specialized agencies and the implementation of targeted interventions, much work remains to be done to address the root causes of crime and create a safer and more secure environment for all Nigerians.
“One of the key lessons learned from the experiences of other countries is the importance of engaging the citizenry in crime prevention efforts.
“Initiatives such as community policing, neighborhood watch programs, and crime reporting apps can empower citizens to take an active role in keeping their communities safe.
“By building trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community, these initiatives can help reduce crime rates and improve public safety.
He also canvassed for the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to crime are addressed for long-term success.
“This includes investing in education, job creation, and social support programs that provide individuals with alternatives to a life of crime. Strengthening governance and the rule of law, promoting transparency and accountability, and addressing corruption are also essential for creating an environment where crime cannot thrive.
“Finally, it is important to recognize that crime prevention is a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration of all stakeholders.
“This includes government agencies, law enforcement, community organizations, businesses, and individual citizens. By working together, we can create a safer and more secure Nigeria for future generations.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesome Wike in his welcome address acknowledged that over the past few months, the nation’s capital has faced its fair share of security challenges, as have many regions across our great nation.
Represented by the acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry Dr. Shamsu Yahaya said, news, especially of kidnappings and the infamous “one chance” commercial car robberies made headline news.
“I am however pleased to report that through concerted efforts and the dedication of our security agencies, we have made significant strides in addressing these challenges.
“Our approach has been multifaceted, combining robust law enforcement measures with proactive community engagement initiatives.
“Furthermore, we have prioritized community-oriented policing approaches, fostering trust, and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. By empowering local stakeholders and investing in grassroots initiatives, we have cultivated a culture of vigilance and resilience at the grassroots level.
“My tour of the six Area Councils has galvanized the populace and reassured them that they are not alone in this fight to safeguard their lives and property.
“Nevertheless, our work is far from over. As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to safeguarding our nation’s security and advancing our development agenda.
He concluded saying he would like all and sundry to leverage the insights shared during the conference to formulate robust policies, forge strategic partnerships, and mobilize resources toward a safer, more prosperous future for all Nigerians.
Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu has signed a bill establishing the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has disclosed
The development was made known at a workshop focused on gender mainstreaming in efforts to curb the spread of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria and the West African sub-region, held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The workshop was organized by the NCCSALW. Ribadu, represented by the Director of External Affairs from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Amb. Ibrahim Babani, described the president’s assent as a crucial step in the government’s fight against the illegal proliferation of arms.
He noted that this legislative backing would solidify the centre’s authority and facilitate more coordinated efforts to tackle the issue.
Ribadu also emphasized the importance of gender mainstreaming in addressing the arms control problem, citing key international frameworks such as the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
This resolution underscored the need to protect women from the impacts of conflict and ensure their active participation in peacebuilding and security initiatives.
He also referenced the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons, which highlights regional cooperation in stopping the spread of weapons that disproportionately affect women and children in conflict zones.
“The importance of gender mainstreaming in preventing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons cannot be overstated,” Ribadu said. “It strengthens our strategies and ensures our approach to security is inclusive and sustainable.”
Speaking at the workshop, the National Coordinator of NCCSALW, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Johnson Kokumo, detailed the centre’s recent efforts in combating illegal arms proliferation.
Kokumo mentioned that the centre recently retrieved a substantial cache of illegal arms from the Nigeria Customs Service and arrested 10 suspects involved in illicit importation. These suspects are currently being prosecuted for offenses that include the illegal importation of 544 firearms and 112,500 rounds of ammunition, in violation of Nigerian law.
Kokumo further revealed that the centre has retrieved 3,383 decommissioned and illicit small arms, along with 26,749 rounds of ammunition, from various government agencies. He also announced plans for an Arms Destruction Exercise later this quarter to ensure that recovered arms are permanently removed from circulation.
Highlighting the global implications of small arms proliferation, Kokumo said, “The control of small arms and light weapons is not only a national concern but also a matter of international importance.” He added that addressing this issue through a gender-sensitive approach is both a moral imperative and a strategic move, considering the grave impact of armed conflict on women and children.
“This workshop is a significant step in ensuring that gender perspectives are integrated into national and regional strategies for small arms and light weapons control,” he stated.
President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Nigerian military over recent successes in the fight against insecurity in the North-West region, particularly the neutralization of notorious bandit leader, Halilu Sububu.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga, the military’s achievements have brought relief to the nation and have demonstrated the effectiveness of the country’s security operatives.
According to the statement, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji successfully eliminated Sububu, who had been terrorizing citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other parts of the North-West.
Additionally, the statement indicated that another terrorist, Sani Wala Burki, was killed in a joint operation in Katsina, and 13 kidnapped students were freed in a busted terrorist enclave in Kaduna.
With the military’s demonstration of its capability to address the nation’s security challenges the statement said, the President’s directive to the service chiefs to relocate to the zone until normalcy is restored has yielded positive results.
Again another tragic incident has occured in Niger State where suspected Boko Haram members in the Pandogari community have beheaded two farmers.
This attack is coming barely two weeks after 13 farmers were killed at a mining site in Shiroro local government area.
According to sources, the insurgents were fleeing from local vigilantes that launched a full-scale war against them, combing the Allawa, Bassa, and Kukoki forests.
The vigilantes, numbering over 200, were mobilized from neighboring states to counter the insurgents.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, with Boko Haram’s violent activities causing harm to innocent civilians. The local vigilantes’ efforts to combat the insurgents are a significant development in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
The fleeing members of the Boko Haram were said to have met the farmers in their farms while escaping the onslaught by the local vigilantes.
Before the onslaught by the Vigilantes, the Boko Haram sect had occupied Allawa, Bassa, Kukoki and other neighboring villages after they successfully dislodged the Military from their Camps at Allawa and Bassa, and ordered the people to vacate their homes.
Those who tried to return to the communities to get some food stuff, especially in Allawa have paid the supreme prize in the last two months with over 40 of the villagers killed so far.
It was gathered that the two beheaded farmers were in their farms working when the gunmen met them and after killing them, they (gunmen) decided to exchange their head with their body.
“After beheading then, they exchanged their heads with their bodies and abandoned them. We just buried them today”, our source said.
He however lamented that if a similar onslaught could be launched against the gunmen from Pandogari end, they will not have an escape route, stressing that “they are now running towards Pandogari because the heat is on them from Allawa, Bassa and Kukoki.
“We are appealing to the government to mobilize the vigilantes for similar offensive against them from Pandogari end. They (gunmen) have all fled Allawa as I am talking to you now”, he added.
Meanwhile a source close to the government told our correspondent that the government decided to engaged the services of the local vigilantes since the federal government is foot-dragging in sending troops to the area.
“The state government needs to act quickly if not the current situation and the activities of these gunmen will send our people away from their farms and their ancestral lands.
“The government wants to put an end to all that now, and has decided to take the fight to the insurgents in their enclaves. We will follow them to wherever they are within our territory. We are going all out against them.
“I can tell you that this exercise will be a continuous one untill the state and the people are free from the menace of these criminal elements. They motive is criminal and nothing more”, our source disclosed.
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