Stakeholders in the nation’s security sector have lamented the lack of manpower and inadequate firearms as some of the challenges hindering the fight against terrorism, banditry, and insurgency in the country.

They spoke during the National Watch special summit with the theme: “National Security: Appraisal, Assessment of Security Efforts, Interventions, Challenges, Achievements And Way Forward, 2024 under Review”, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Lagos.

The event brought together security agencies like the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Department of State Security (DSS), Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), and others.

Speaking at the conference, the Department of State Services (DSS) representative for Eti-Osa, Salomi Akala, complained about the lack of acknowledgement of officers’ efforts and highlighted one of the fundamental problems facing Nigeria: terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. She also mentioned the lack of manpower and inadequate firearms.

The representative of the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Adegoke Akinlade, complained about the lack of manpower and information from the public. He stressed that the police cannot do it alone without community assistance. He assured Nigerians that there are no ‘bad eggs’ in the force and that any officer found wanting will be punished accordingly.

Akinlade also implored the government and citizens to help maintain security by sharing information when necessary. On her part, the Zonal Commander for Lagos at NAPTIP, Agboko Comfort, lamented the increasing rate of human trafficking in Lagos, which has made the state the epicentre of the menace and called for much attention.

She advised Nigerians intending to relocate abroad to make sure they do so with genuine documents and verify with appropriate bodies so they do not fall victim to human trafficking and forced prostitution.

The Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI) for the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Lagos State Command, Aliu Muhammad, complained that the border is porous and Nigerian immigration laws are weak.

He further pleaded with the government and citizens to allow law enforcement agencies to discharge their duties accordingly. He also thanked the government for improving their gadgets but reiterated his complaint that Nigerian immigration laws are weak.