The reoccurring security challenges in the country particularly in the North as a result of kidnappings, armed banditry, insurgency and so on is really heartbreaking, despicable and extremely agonising. The recent kidnap and release of about 26 women along the Katsina and Zamfara axis in the North who were subjected to inhuman conditions involving long distance trekking, beatings and even rape has compelled me to speak up against this ill and at least offer or emphasise on up-to-date solutions in bringing these crimes to an end. Some of these solutions are discussed as follows:
(i) Use of satellites. Nigeria has about 4 satellites in space (NigSat-1, 2, NigComSat-1R, X) typically used for monitoring weather conditions, broadband internet services and radio wave signals for viewing TV channels. We need these satellites or additional ones to specifically fight crimes especially in crime haven cities and forests in the country. Google map live satellite images and videos of the earth are available and particularly descriptive for cities in developed countries where you can see in real time 3D panorama view of nooks and crannies of those areas. Nigerian government must do more and invest heavily or even partner with big business corporations to effectively monitor and prevent crimes and insurgency in real time.
(ii) Deployment of fatal drones. Drones are increasingly being used especially in the advanced countries to fight crimes by police. Use of surveillance and high precision drones should be encouraged and extensively used by the police especially in the flash point areas of the country. Drones should be immediately deployed whenever information is established about a place of crime to successfully counter and contain it.
(iii) Continuous research in education. Unfortunately, our public university system has been under lockdown for over seven months while studies in many other climes have continued unhindered. If reasonable attention is given to education, researches and innovations will spring up to unimaginable levels that can add value locally and globally. Good investment in education and research on security challenges bedeviling us is what will ensure the continuous progress and successes in the aforementioned ‘use of satellite’ and ‘drones’ in fighting crimes and insurgency. If this is sustained, with time we can compete globally in the development and manufacturing of these technological warfare.
(iv) Heavy military presence. As these crimes are recurring, heavy military should be deployed to flash points to rid them of criminality. Definitely with heavy military presence, kidnappings, ransom payment, criminal informants and other nefarious activities will timely die out.
(v) Community policing. Involving community vigilantes in security architecture and in synergy with other security personnel means our overstretched police will now function more effectively in reducing crime to the barest minimum. Collaboration and synergy with all security personnel is essential in fighting criminality and insurgency as our common enemy.
Lastly, I implore the government especially the Northern governors to rise up to their responsibilities to arrest these fundamental security issues and always remember they’ll be accountable before Almighty God for their time spent in office.
Dr. B. Dan-Asabe,
Department of Mechanical, Automotive and Mechatronics Engineering, A.B.U. Zaria.
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