The menace of the looming Insecurity issue in Nigeria is on a vast level with the rising killings of security officials in the country. Outbreaks of violence, unrest and insurgency by non-state actors across the country have claimed the lives of many security officers while also debilitating the country’s security capacity, which is already in shambles. Based on a compilation of data obtained from the Council on Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), in 2022, non-state killed 138 policemen in eight months across the country.
A week ago, seven Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers, alongside five other officials of sister security agencies, lost their lives in an attack by bandits at the Kuriga mining site in Birnin Gwari local government area, Kaduna. The NSCDC made it known that the personnel were killed while on official duty under the State Ministry of Mines. Also, four police officers were killed recently during an attack on the convoy of a former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim.
3 policemen were killed in an armed robbery attack on a bullion van.
In another incident on June 30, 2022, gunmen killed three police officers at a checkpoint in Enugu State. Gunmen also attacked a police station in Anambra State in April and killed four police officers after setting the station ablaze. Three policemen were also killed by an armed robbery that attacked a bullion van In Ibadan, Oyo State. Also, in Ogominana, Kogi State, gunmen attacked a police station and killed three police officers. The rising occurrence of the uncalled situation is at an alarming rate.
Reasons behind these killings are identified to have risen from the activities of unknown gunmen, Eastern Security Network (ESN), armed robbers, kidnappers, and security operatives. Some have pointed to the ongoing conflict with Boko Haram and other extremist groups, while others have cited issues of poverty and unemployment as contributing factors. Nevertheless, it requires concerted efforts and comprehensive measure from the government, stakeholders and citizens to address the situation and restore the glory of Nigeria’s security forces.
One potential approach is to supply adequate weapon to security officers.
While it is essential to increase national security, it is also reprehensible and must be denounced in the most unambiguous terms for being committed against individuals sworn to protect and serve the public. One potential approach would be to expand the resources and training available to security officers. This may include supplying adequate weapons and equipment, as well as training on the most up-to-date strategies for countering terrorist organizations and organized criminals from operating in the country.
As a corollary, enhancing national intelligence and surveillance capabilities is crucial to identifying and apprehending the perpetrators. In addition, it is crucial to address the underlying social and economic concerns that are contributing to the violence. One way to do this is to fund initiatives to improve access to education and other necessities, as well as to reduce poverty and unemployment. As with the problem of violence and insecurity as a whole, efforts must be taken to eradicate corruption and enhance governance at all levels.
Officials should collaborate with civil society organizations.
More significantly, government and security organizations should work hand in hand with communities impacted by violence to give them a say in how these problems are addressed. As part of this process, officials should collaborate with religious and traditional leaders as well as civil society organizations to develop channels of open communication and encourage participation. The ultimate safety and well-being of all Nigerians will be ensured as long as these measures are in place, given that they will increase civilian support and collaboration with security authorities.
Related Link
NST: Website
