Insecurity: experts back regional security outfits

Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

Experts in peace and conflicts as well as human rights advocates have urged the Federal Government to embrace the emergence of regional security in the country especially in light of the shortcomings of the present security architecture to secure lives and properties of Nigerians.

They argued that with the rise in insecurity, especially as it relates to the war against Boko Haram and banditry by unidentified gunmen, farmer and herdsmen clashes, the federal government has become incapable of maintaining security in the country.

The experts maintained that the emergence of Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) codenamed Amotekun in the security landscape of Nigeria was as a result of the failure of the federal government to provide adequate security of lives and property in the country.

According to them, it became imperative for state Governors to protect and defend their people against criminality.

The experts, which included people from the academia, representatives of security agencies, civil society organisations and the media, spoke at a webinar on the topic: “Amotekun: Democratisation or Regional Security in Nigeria.”

It was organised by the Centre for Peace and Development (CEPAD) of Veritas University, Abuja in collaboration with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung.

In a communique signed by the Director, CEPAD at Veritas University, Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji, the experts urged the federal government to embrace Amotekun as it has come to stay.

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The experts recommended to the government to as a matter of national urgency, take steps to enlighten Nigerians on the Legal Framework of the security structure of Nigeria in view of the emergence of Amotekun which has come to stay.

The communique said: “We call the Government to embrace the emergence of regional security in Nigeria in the spirit of democratisation especially in light of the shortcomings of the present security architecture to secure lives and properties of Nigerians.

“The Government should as a matter of national urgency, take steps to enlighten Nigerians on the Legal Framework of the security structure of Nigeria in view of the emergence of Amotekun which has come to stay.

“We likewise use this medium to call on Government through the necessary agencies to create more awareness on the security policy of the country as well as create a clear outline on the working relationship of security agencies in Nigeria.

“We also call on the National Assembly and the Judiciary to put in place a redress mechanism for instances of abuse which may occur by personnel of such regional security outfits.

“We reiterate the need for relational policing that would encourage members of any community to know the security personnel that operate within their communities.”