Association urges community-driven approach to tackle insecurity
The Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies has called for a shift from theoretical policies to a practical, community-driven approach in addressing Nigeria’s insecurity.
This resolution was made at the association’s maiden annual lecture on Monday in. Abuja, themed “Mobilising Stakeholders to Curb Insecurity in Nigeria: A Practical Approach.”
The event brought together security professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss new strategies for tackling security challenges.
AANISS stated that insecurity cannot be effectively addressed without active involvement from local communities.
The communique issued after the event, and signed by the president of the association, Mike Ejiofor, a retired Director of the Department of State Services, on Monday stressed the need to train, empower, and engage citizens as part of the first line of defense against crime.
It partly read, “The nation is grappling with numerous security challenges, including regional separatist movements, kidnapping, banditry, farmers/herders conflicts, terrorism, illegal arms deals, cybercrimes, and human trafficking.
“There is a need for a paradigm shift from a theoretical approach to insecurity to a more robust and inclusive practical approach. There is an inadequate number of security and intelligence personnel to cover all communities, including ungoverned spaces.
“A common denominator in security-challenged nations is the absence of citizens’ engagement.
“Local government councils need to justify the financial autonomy granted to them by using the resources to contain security challenges at the grassroots level. The need for collaboration and cooperation among various government organizations, ministries, departments, and agencies has become obvious.”
Ejiofor emphasised the need to revive Nigeria’s traditional communal security system.
He said: “Our traditional value of communalism should be revived through traditional institutions at the community level to prepare them as the first line of defense in security initiatives. This will enhance inclusiveness, trust, and cooperation, encourage proactive measures in crime prevention, and serve as a check on potential security challenges at the grassroots level.”
To enhance border security, AANISS recommended stronger collaboration between Nigerian security agencies and neighboring Francophone countries, including recruiting security personnel proficient in French for better intelligence operations.
