Insecurity In Nigeria

By Kabir Ali Fagge

In Nigeria, security has long been a topic of paramount concern. The efficacy of law enforcement agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has often been scrutinized in the face of escalating crime rates and challenges to public safety.

One proposed solution that has garnered significant attention is the establishment of state police forces. The history of policing in Nigeria is marked by a series of reforms and challenges. Since Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule in 1999, the Nigerian police have undergone various reforms in an attempt to address issues within the force.

These reforms have been a response to the need for more effective law enforcement mechanisms to combat rising crime rates and insecurity in the country.

We all know that the Nigerian police force has a long history of facing criticism for unprofessional conduct, corruption, and the use of excessive force.

Nigeria inherited a centralized police structure modelled after the British system. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) operated under federal jurisdiction and was tasked with maintaining law and order throughout the nation.

State Police, on the other hand, entails the decentralization of law enforcement authority, granting individual states within a federal system the power to establish and manage their own police forces.

Under this model, states would have the autonomy to address security issues specific to their regions, tailoring law enforcement strategies to local needs and priorities.

Proponents argue that state police can foster greater community engagement, enhance responsiveness to local concerns, and improve overall security outcomes.

The existing centralized police system has faced criticism for its inability to effectively address the security concerns of the diverse Nigerian population.

The call for state police stems from the need for a more localized approach to law enforcement that can better cater to the specific security needs of different regions within Nigeria.

Establishing state police in Nigeria is a significant step that requires a thorough understanding of global policing practices. While the centralized police system is predominant in many countries, there are instances of decentralized policing models.

For example, Municipal Police in France, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers in the Netherlands, and Police Community Support Officers in England and Wales represent non-police uniformed state officers in a decentralized system.

Comparative analyses of policing in countries that have undergone political or social transitions, such as Russia, Brazil, and China, highlight the importance of understanding the contextual factors that shape policing practices. Confidence in the police varies across different countries, with Taiwan ranking among the top one-third globally, indicating variations in public perceptions of law enforcement; therefore, those who argue that the establishment of state police is not out of place.

Community policing, actively conducted in countries like South Africa, Northern Ireland, and Sierra Leone, emphasizes the importance of engaging communities in maintaining public safety. However, the effectiveness of community policing initiatives can vary based on each country’s socio-political context.

While some countries prioritize individualism and minimal government intrusion in policing, others focus on collective well-being through law and order.

I think what Nigerians want to know is how is state policing going to be any better than the current system of policing in Nigeria.

According to pundits, the establishment of state police in Nigeria promises to bolster security at the grassroots level. State police forces, attuned to the unique security dynamics of their regions, can enact targeted measures for more efficient crime prevention and control.

This localized approach fosters stronger community engagement and enables proactive responses to emerging threats, ultimately ensuring safer environments for all. Such reforms hold the potential to significantly enhance law enforcement’s effectiveness and responsiveness across the nation.

State police deployment within local communities will supposedly ensure swift emergency responses, curtailing intervention time in critical situations. By having officers stationed close to the areas they serve, the state police can swiftly address emergencies, thereby enhancing public safety.

This proximity allows for immediate action, minimizing the potential impact of crises on communities. Such rapid responses underscore the effectiveness of localized law enforcement in ensuring timely assistance during emergencies.

State-level oversight of law enforcement ensures accountability and transparency, as state governments are directly answerable to their constituents. This close supervision fosters trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, enhancing transparency in operations.

By holding state authorities accountable, citizens can have greater confidence in the integrity of policing practices, ultimately strengthening democratic principles. Such measures reflect a commitment to upholding transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement framework.

State police possess the flexibility to tailor strategies and allocate resources according to local needs, enhancing their ability to address emerging threats and crime trends. This adaptability ensures a dynamic response to evolving security challenges, bolstering effectiveness in crime prevention and control.

We must also look at some disadvantages posed by the governors to establish the State Police. Firstly, Critics warn of the potential for abuse of power with decentralized policing, citing concerns about corruption, political interference, and violations of human rights at the state level. This apprehension underscores the importance of establishing robust oversight mechanisms to safeguard against misuse of authority and uphold the rule of law.

Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure that decentralization efforts in policing prioritize accountability and respect for human rights, thereby fostering trust and confidence in law enforcement institutions. Such vigilance is essential to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of state police forces in Nigeria.

Fragmentation of law enforcement across states presents coordination challenges in tackling transnational crimes and upholding national security. This underscores the need for seamless collaboration and information-sharing mechanisms among state police forces.

Effective coordination ensures a unified approach to combating cross-border criminal activities, safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and public safety. Addressing these challenges is paramount to fostering synergy and maximizing the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts nationwide.

Unequal resource allocation among states may hinder smaller or economically disadvantaged regions from adequately funding and equipping their police forces, leading to discrepancies in law enforcement capabilities.

The establishment of state police carries constitutional and legal implications, necessitating amendments and legislative frameworks to define the powers, jurisdiction, and duties of state and federal law enforcement entities.

This underscores the importance of comprehensive legal reforms to ensure clarity and coherence in the division of responsibilities between different levels of law enforcement.

The debate surrounding the establishment of state police in Nigeria is multifaceted, reflecting the complex interplay of security, governance, and constitutional considerations.

While proponents argue that decentralization can lead to more responsive and accountable law enforcement, sceptics raise concerns about the potential for abuse of power and operational challenges.

Ultimately, any decision to implement state police must be carefully weighed against its potential benefits and drawbacks, with a keen focus on enhancing security while upholding the principles of justice and democracy.

Kabir Fagge Ali is a youth corps member with PRNigeria Centre and wrote via faggekabir29@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The National Defence College (NDC) said Nigeria’s insecurity is not inevitable if only magic technologies like artificial intelligence are to be used in the nation.

The NDC commandant, Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, adding that the military needs to be ahead of the violent non-state actors to address the security challenges ravaging the country.

Over a decade, insecurity has been one of the major issues facing Nigeria and has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people, leading to the displacement of several others in the country.

The activities of bandits have badly affected the economic growth of the nation as farmers and businessmen fear the atrocious attack by the bandits who either kidnap or slaughter any misfortune individual they encounter.

However, the NDC Commandant identified measures he believed could have been used to defeat terrorists and terrorism in the country.

He said, “Technologies like artificial intelligence and others are the much-needed game changers that will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the military’s responses to the challenges facing Nigeria.

“If we’re to also avoid the experiences of the past, where Nigeria has to beg foreigners to prosecute legitimate internal security challenges against militancy, terrorism and insurgency, then we need to reappraise our research and development efforts in technology acquisition and innovation.

“We need to also revamp our military industrial complex, and these efforts must be of national outlook and driven by research and development,” he said.

By Muhammad Nazif Abubakar

Nigeria is facing several challenges that threaten its stability and prosperity. From economic struggles to political corruption, the country is at a crossroads and, come February, must take to the ballot and vote for competent leadership that can take actions to address these issues to secure its future.

Nigeria’s numerous economic challenges can be overwhelming in recent years, including declining oil prices and organised oil theft. The latter has significantly impacted the country’s economy, leading to billions of dollars in lost revenue for the government and oil companies and lost profits for businesses operating in the oil industry. This lost revenue could have been used to fund critical public services and infrastructure projects, exacerbating the adverse economic effects of crude oil theft. Moreover, the financial struggles in Nigeria have led to high levels of unemployment, particularly among young people, and have contributed to widespread poverty. In addition, the country has struggled with high inflation levels and a weak currency, making it difficult for people to afford necessities.

Political corruption is another major issue in Nigeria. Politicians and government officials are frequently accused of embezzlement and misusing public funds. Examples of this corruption, most of which were documented by Dr Nura Alkali in his book entitled When Stealing is Not Corruption: Nigeria Under President Jonathan, include the 2015 elections, which were marred by allegations of vote buying and the use of government resources to support certain candidates; the 2012 fuel subsidy scandal, in which billions of dollars in subsidies were embezzled by government officials; the 2010 Halliburton scandal, in which the company paid bribes to Nigerian officials to secure contracts; and the 2015 DasukiGate scandal, in which former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki embezzled public funds meant for military equipment. More recently, a former Accountant General of the federation was involved in over a 100-billion-naira scandal. Corruption has contributed to a lack of trust in successive governments. It has made it difficult for the country to address its many challenges.

In addition to these economic and political challenges, Nigeria is also facing several security threats. Before 2015, the country was plagued by violence and terrorism, with groups like Boko Haram carrying out attacks on civilians and government targets. This has destabilised the country and made it difficult for citizens, especially in the northeast, to go about their everyday lives. Attacks by members of Boko Haram have drastically subsided in recent years. However, Nigeria is struggling with increasing levels of banditry in its northwest region. This has included armed robberies, kidnappings, and attacks on communities and security personnel. These bands of criminals have caused widespread fear and insecurity in the region, especially in Katsina and Zamfara. In addition, they have made it difficult for people to go about their daily lives.

The root causes of this banditry are complex and multifaceted. Poverty and unemployment are major contributing factors, as many of these bandits are driven by the desire to make a quick profit. In addition, the lack of effective law enforcement and security in the region has made it easier for these criminal groups to operate with impunity. The government has attempted to address this issue by deploying security forces and implementing programs to address poverty, but these efforts have had limited success. It will require a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to effectively address the problem of banditry in Nigeria’s northwest region.

Nigeria has a large and diverse population and a rich history and culture. With exemplary leadership and policies, Nigeria has the potential to become a thriving and prosperous nation. However, this will require a concerted effort to address the issues holding the country back. This will require tackling corruption, improving the economy, and managing security threats. It will also require working to build a more inclusive and just society where all citizens have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Despite Nigeria’s many challenges, there is hope for the country’s future. This hope lies in the decisions made during the next election cycle. The person chosen to lead Nigeria must be capable of addressing the country’s problems. As former US Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said, “The single most exciting thing you encounter in government is competence because it is so rare.” Competence is a rare quality in the Nigerian political landscape. Still, it is essential for the success and prosperity of the country. Therefore, we must choose a competent leader to navigate Nigeria’s challenges.

Muhammad Nazif Abubakar from Kaduna via muhd.abubakar@hotmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Reports from Kaduna disclosed that a pregnant woman abducted July this year has put to bed while in captivity.

The victim reportedly called on her ailing mother when bandits abducted her alongside her two sisters.

The victim’s husband, Muhammad Alabi, decried the traumatic development, adding that his wife was maltreated and severally flogged.

He stated that, “My wife gave birth at the kidnappers’ camp on 2nd August, 2022 and since then, both mother and child have not received any medical attention and to make matter worse, we learnt they were being maltreated and flogged.

“We are all dying emotionally and physically, that is why we are appealing to whoever God will use to secure their release to please help us free them.”

Recounting the family’s ordeal, father of the victims, Malam Abdulwahab Yusuf said the bandits broke into their Mando home around 1:05 am on the day of the attack.

“My two daughters used to take care of their mother who is sick, but unfortunately, that day their elder sister, who is pregnant came from her husband’s house to look after her mother when the bandits broke into the house and kidnapped my three daughters.

“They initially asked for N140 million, but now they have reduced the ransom to N50 million. The family has been adversely affected by the trauma. My wife, who was able to walk unaided before the incident, now uses wheelchair.

“We just carried out a surgery on her. I have not been myself, I cannot sleep, once it is night I don’t know how my body feels.”

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Department of State of Service (DSS) has detained a staff member of Desert Herald, a Kaduna-based publication owned by Tukur Mamu, the negotiator of Kaduna train hostage.

The staff, idefied as Mubarak Tinja, was detained after he was invited by the security operatives to retrieve phones and other devices that were fetched from Mamu’s house.

It was gathered that Tinja was accompanied by his friend to the Kaduna office of the DSS around 5 pm where they detained him.

According to a source, “The DSS went to the house and left a note for Mubarak Tinja to come to their office for the phones they collected and so he went with a friend.

“Sometime around 9pm, security agents asked his friend to return home and when he asked of Tinja, they said they were keeping him for questioning,” he said.

Mamu is the Spokesperson of the Kaduna- based cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, and had led the negotiation for the release of some of the abductees of March 2022 Kaduna train attack.

The Daily Really reported that the negotiator was first arrested by Interpol on Tuesday in Egypt and picked up by DSS in Kano as his plane touched the ground.

The DSS subsequently said Mamu has questions to answer regarding the rising insecurity in the country.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal Government has said that the current incessant security problem has been the greatest challenge bedevilling the country since the civil war.

Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, stated this on Monday, 5th September, 2022 in Abuja during a joint security conference.

He said the security challenges “have been daunting, from terrorism to banditry to kidnapping to separatist violence to crude oil theft to armed robbery and sundry crimes.

“It’s undoubtedly the greatest challenge to the peace and security of our great nation since the civil war from 1967 to 1970.”

“But thanks to the purposeful leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, we can say, I want to repeat, that the worst is over and peace and security are gradually returning to the land.

“Please don’t misunderstand or misrepresent this assertion. We may still witness isolated cases of security challenges here and there, but it will not be on the scale that we have witnessed in the past.

“We want to use this opportunity to salute Mr President for his leadership. When many threw their arms up in the air and felt it was all over, President Buhari remained resolute.

“When many called for the use of foreign mercenaries to tackle the challenges, especially terrorism and banditry, President Buhari never wavered in his belief in the ability of our gallant men and women in uniform to rise to the occasion, and rise to the occasion they did.

“Some said the security challenges have overwhelmed the military, but the military has now demonstrated that no group of ragtag criminals can ever overwhelm them.

“Terrorists and bandits and co can run but cannot hide, and this has been demonstrated by the arrest of those who attacked a church in Owo. These criminals can run but cannot hide, as we have seen in the decimation of the cowards who ambushed the Brigade of Guards troops in Abuja.

“I am sure you will hear from my colleagues how our military and other security agencies have been decimating the top echelon of ISWAP and Boko Haram, how armed bandits camps and resources have been destroyed, and how the capacity of IPOB/ESN has been substantially degraded,” he stated.