Mohammed Shosanya
A civil society group,the Civil Society Coalition on Sustainable Development (CSCSD),has suggested measures Nigeria should take to stop the spate of insecurity in the country.
Prof. Mrs Olubunmi Ashimolowo ,Chair, Think-Do Tank Group, CSCSD,and National Coordinator of the group,who gave the suggestions in a statement on Tuesday,deplored widespread Insecurity in the East and West,spate of abductions in Abuja, kidnappings by Fulani militants and bandit attacks and military vulnerability.
The group implored the government to allocate additional resources for the training, equipping, and welfare of security forces.
It also suggested that immediate action is necessary to enhance their capacity to respond effectively to emerging threats.
According to the group,government should Invest in advanced intelligence-gathering technologies and foster collaboration between intelligence agencies to preempt criminal activities.
The coalition emphasizes the need for community-based surveillance programs to encourage citizens’ active involvement.
The group emphasized the need to Implement comprehensive poverty alleviation and job creation programs to address underlying economic factors contributing to insecurity.
It maintained that these interventions should particularly focus on regions most affected by violence,just as the coalition advised the government to strengthen the legal framework to ensure swift and fair prosecution of criminals,thereby deterring potential offenders.
The statement quoted that there is need for collaboration with the judiciary to expedite the adjudication of cases related to insecurity is crucial.
Government,the coalition said,should initiate a national dialogue involving all stakeholders to address the root causes of ethnic and religious tensions contributing to insecurity.
It added:”Open discussions on national security policies are essential for fostering a sense of collective responsibility. CSCSD reiterates its commitment to working collaboratively with the government and other stakeholders to address the escalating insecurity in Nigeria.
“Urgent and decisive actions are imperative to restore confidence in the nation’s security apparatus and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians”