Stepping up fight against general insecurity

The prevailing insecurity within the nation remains a stark reality, despite assertions from law enforcement agencies suggesting otherwise.

Despite assurances to curb criminal activities, available data indicates that the situation is far from being under control.

While the majority of Nigerians feel defenseless and exposed, the international community is expressing deep concern over the situation.

In a recent travel advisory issued to their citizens visiting Nigeria, both the United States of America and Canada sounded alarms regarding the alarming security conditions in many Nigerian states. They cautioned their citizens against staying in major hotels across the country, citing specific security threats targeting these establishments in major cities.

Canada, in particular, advised against non-essential travel to Nigeria, including the capital city, Abuja, citing the unpredictable security landscape nationwide and the significant risks of terrorism, armed assaults, and abductions.

Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, acknowledged this disturbing trend in criminal activity during a recent address at the Nigerian Guild of Editors conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He noted that kidnapping has become prevalent, replacing traditional crimes like armed robbery and burglary, as people tend to carry less cash nowadays. Ribadu lamented that hostages are taken for ransom when robbers find them without cash, and families are forced to pay to secure their release.

Regrettably, the government, including Ribadu’s administration, continues the pattern of deflecting responsibility and engaging in blame games rather than confronting the issue head-on.

While Ribadu identified kidnapping as one of the “four major security challenges inherited by the government, each capable of crippling Nigeria,” he did not elaborate on the strategies being employed to address it.

In light of these circumstances, we urge the Federal Government and law enforcement agencies to exert maximum effort in halting the surge of insecurity across the nation.