Insecurity in North West remains vicious

Sir: Insecurity has greatly affected the image of the country both domestically and internationally, especially in the area of efforts to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Last year, Nigeria was rated 144th position in the 2023 safest countries in the world ranking. The yearly Global Peace Index ranks 163 independent states and territories according to their level of peacefulness.

For more than a decade, issue of insecurity in Nigeria has become something of grave concern to all citizens, most of whom continue to wonder how the country arrived at such a dastardly situation where no one is safe; and worse still, rather than abate, the problem is escalating almost out of control. Insecurity in Nigeria is a recurring phenomenon that threatens the well-being of its citizens.

After the deadly Boko Haram insurgency which has ravaged the North-east was technically defeated, the North-west was plagued by a surge of kidnapping, herder-farmer crisis, and banditry.

The conundrums in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states remain vicious, which have disrupted socio-economic activities of the people with absence of proven economic drivers.

This has significantly made daily living very difficult. The poverty has made recruitment into banditry easy, as little as N500 could lure youths to join the criminal gang. The situation in the vulnerable local government areas caused untold fear and psychological drift to the affected people.

To end the problem, concerted efforts are needed. The challenge poses a severe threat to the North-west and the entire nation. These kidnappers and bandits have more gut to continue perpetrating more crime against armless and defenseless people. They move from house to house, village to village; town and to the market with AK-47 rifles openly, purchasing foodstuffs and other items with some even collecting tax from the people.

I appreciate Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda’s stand for declaring boldly that his administration would not have any form of truce with them and would liberate his people from any fear and eradicate the menace even if it will cost his life.

True to his assurance, since the beginning of his administration, security remains his top priority as he displayed unwavering commitment to fight the menace in his state. Even before his inauguration, he set up a committee of well-versed senior security personnel who retired from different national security institutions. The committee has consulted with serving and retired security officers from the state to have a complete understanding of the dynamics of insecurity and the operational security architecture in the state.

Radda’s efforts to curtail criminal elements’ extrajudicial killing and their audacity of roaming towns and villages at will, wrecking havoc are appreciated.
Abba Dukawa wrote from Abuja.

The administration has procured arms and ammunition, including Armoured Personnel Carriers, deployed to the eight insecurity-prone areas of Jibia, Safana, Batsari, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, and Dandume.

While addressing the corps, Radda harped on the need for them to be of good conduct and responsibly perform their assignments. “You are not just protectors, but also role models, mediators and pillars of support. Your uniform is a symbol of hope, assurance and trustworthiness,” he said.

There is need to collaborate with neighbouring states and international partners in dismantling transnational criminal networks. For the benefit of hindsight, the efforts remain an uphill battle; something new has to be tried and the existing laws have to be changed to protect the people of the state along the way. Sometimes you have to try new and creative ways to solve problems of insecurity in the state.

There is a need for further investment in technology and infrastructure, coupled with adequate training and equipping of security operatives to enhance their operational effectiveness and responsiveness.

Also, there is a need to make the terrorists to face severe punishment that would be a deterrent to other underworld elements.
Abba Dukawa wrote from Abuja.