Human Rights: Report Rate Army, Security Agencies High On War Against Insurgency

The Centre For Human Rights Advancement in Africa (CHRAA) has rated the Army, other security agencies in Nigeria high in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges in the country.

CHRAA, in their mid year report presented to the public in Abuja said security challenges in the country have been reduced by the Army and other security agencies, adding that the preservation of Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and the welfare of the citizen people is very paramount.

Insecurity: FCTA clears scavengers’ colony in Abuja

Insecurity hindering data collection for surveys — NBS

CHRAA said since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the country has continually drifted between moments of peace and insecurity.

The report signed by Princess Ajibola, Country Director of CHRAA, said government has taken measures to tackle insecurity, adding that while some of the security threats faced by the country are generic, some are linked to the country’s six Geo-political Zones.

She mentioned the Farmers-Herders Conflict, as well as kidnappings by suspected Fulani Herdsmen as a major threat faced by the people, especially Benue and Plateau States.

“The implication of this threat has been a severe reduction in the output of food production to the nation, especially in Benue State, the food basket of the nation, where people have been forced out of their farms due to the menace of the killer herders.

“However, the security situation of the zone has improved in recent times. There has not been any news of farmers-herders clashes or any religious premeditated killings and attacks, especially in Plateau State, where such was prevalent,” she said.

Ajibola said the North East Geopolitical Zone has continued to grapple with the activities of the Boko Haram Terrorist and Insurgents.

“The deadly sect displaced thousands from their homes, killed and maimed security agents and civilians, including killing and raping women and children, chased people away from their farms and sources of livelihood, collected taxes and almost took over territories.

“Today, the Nigerian military has severely dealt with the Boko Haram Terrorists and Insurgents, which have carried out severe assaults and offensives against the sect. The sect has not been completely neutralised. However, before now, the peace that eluded the North East appears to have returned.”She said.

She, however commended the Nigerian Army under the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, saying “the military has given its best in tackling and responding to general insecurity in Nigeria. The stability experienced across the country’s six geo-political zones did not just come about; it took painstaking effort to guarantee.”

According to her, there is still need for more effort if insecurity, crime and criminality are to be wiped out from the country.