Nigerian Public Affairs Analyst Nelson Ekujumi has called for the prioritisation of community security and state policing, as a means of addressing instability challenges in the country.
Speaking on News Central TV’s Breakfast Central, Ekujumi claimed most of the locals know the perpetrators of criminal acts in communities, while some act as informants.
He said the locals should be encouraged to desist from being a part of the problem, but rather a part of the solution by collaborating with security agencies.
“I find it worrisome when there are security breaches in the country, and the first point of call is the federal government. I don’t think that is right.
“I think people must recognise that they have the responsibility to ensure their own security at whatever levels.
“Security is everybody’s business, so the communities must ensure their safety, both collectively and as individuals.
“It is time to engage a non-kinetic approach. Let communities take charge of their security. Let the communities stop engaging in banditry. Let the communities stop acting as informants.
“Everybody is responsible for security. The locals know the terrains, and they will collaborate better with security agencies to tackle insecurity in Nigeria,” he said.
Nigeria is grappling with worsening insecurity amid economic difficulties that threaten the safety ad livelihood of Nigerians. Both crime and inflation are rising at competitive rates.
Recently, there have been rising cases of banditry, kidnappings, and other related and crimes.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has been urged to urgently address security concerns in the country.