The worsening insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in states like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Abuja, and other areas, looms larger than ever. Nigerians are grappling with an unprecedented myriad of challenges ranging from rampant cases of banditry to kidnapping for ransom, and a relentless onslaught of criminal activities and other overlapping security challenges.
The country has witnessed the loss of thousands of lives, with millions of people displaced, economic activities disrupted, and the legitimacy and authority of the government undermined. The crises underscore a disconcerting failure of governance, a dire lack of initiatives, patriotism, and political will on the part of the executive, the National Assembly, security agencies, and related establishments.
According to a report by SBM Intelligence – a Nigerian political risk analysis firm – between 2011 and 2020, at least $18.34 million (equivalent to N23 billion) was paid to kidnappers as ransom. Figures for 2020 to date are hard to come by.
This is pointing to the fact that kidnapping is more lucrative than government work or politics.
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The use of ransom money paid to kidnappers can only be guessed; it was most likely used to fund further criminal activities or to support their unfortunate lifestyles. Of course, we have heard of informants, collaborators, or sponsors, they will most likely be among those benefitting.
Amidst the chaos and despair, one cannot overlook the glaring lack of accountability in addressing the insecurity plaguing the nation. From the executive arm to the legislative arm and thence to the security and civil bureaucracies, pertinent questions arise regarding the performance of this set of people whose main purpose of their engagement is the provision of effective governance and securing lives and property; nothing more.
Additionally, what efforts are being made by telecommunications companies to help stem the tide? What is the efficacy of tracking perpetrators, tracing illicit finances, and monitoring the movement of resources such as motorcycles and cell phones used by criminals? How is it possible that the monies demanded and delivered in ransom payments evade traceability? The inability to trace the origins of phone calls made to the relatives of victims? All these underscore a profound failure in intelligence gathering and technology utilisation.
The National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) requirements were introduced to enhance security and accountability. However, their potential in curbing criminal activities remains largely untapped. Or are they merely for opening bank accounts and obtaining driver’s license and international passports?
In the wake of such atrocities, it is the innocent citizens who bear the brunt of this negligence, whose only crime is living and being in Nigeria; who endure unimaginable suffering at the hands of ruthless criminals and government alike.
Despite the untold suffering, trauma and loss inflicted upon them, their plight is exacerbated by the absence or lack of proper laws or enforcement mechanisms to deter or punish the offenders. Or of compensation and support from the government.
Their cries for justice and assistance fall on deaf ears, perpetuating a cycle of despair and hopelessness, while the perpetrators roam free and those employed to catch the perpetrators are busy clamouring for increases in salaries and the perks of official office.
Nigeria’s leadership is facing a crucial test, and it is one they are failing. The National Assembly members, entrusted with representing the people, appear either paralysed or indifferent to the urgency of the situation. Security agencies, including the State Security Department, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Police Force, seem unable to effectively counter the growing threat.
It is time to hold the federal, the state governments, the National Assembly members, the security agencies and related government and certain private sector players accountable.
Years of clueless leadership, where the executive is cocooned in luxury and is only concerned with the purchase of official vehicles, renovation of official quarters in Lagos and Abuja and construction of a new presidential lounge at the Abuja International Airport while countless Nigerians are homeless, have led to a situation where citizens are left vulnerable to criminals.
Meanwhile, the legislative houses, instead of enacting robust laws to counter insecurity, seem mired in inertia and only concerned with constituency projects, raising the budget with borrowed funds, purchase of N160 million Prado jeeps that will not protect them against these bandits and criminals. While the security agencies are outwitted to contain the tide of violence.
Various administrations and national assemblies including the present one made so much noise about security architecture, the need for increased funding, the purchase of Tucano Jets etc, but instead of the security challenge abetting, it seems to have gained momentum and agility which essentially points to the fact that Nigeria has gone through years of clueless leadership that have led to the present situation.
Could it be that government and law enforcement agencies are unaware of a range of sophisticated surveillance and tracking gadgets available in the open market? Or is it that they are too expensive or Nigeria lacks the manpower?
Most likely, they don’t know some or all of the following items such as GPS trackers, drones, forensic analysis tools, IMSI catchers, techniques such as triangulation, blockchain technology, big data, financial monitoring software etc
It beats imagination and common sense that this security challenge is unsurmountable.
The worsening insecurity is a manifestation of systemic failures within the nation’s governance structures. Those in the corridors of power should acknowledge their failures, rectify them or resign from their various positions. It is time for a collective awakening, where the welfare and security of citizens take precedence over political posturing.
Alhaji Rabiu wrote from Kaduna
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