In response to the growing wave of insecurity across Nigeria, particularly in the South-West region, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has renewed calls for a comprehensive redesign of the country's security framework. During its caucus meeting in Akure, the group highlighted several compelling reasons for their demand as hereunder discussed.
The reasons Afenifere wants Nigeria’s security architecture redefined are:
1. Rising Insecurity Across the Country:
Afenifere expressed deep concern over the increasing rate of kidnappings, banditry, and extra-judicial killings in many parts of the country. Specific regions like Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, and Osun, along with states like Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna, have become flashpoints for violent crimes.
2. Lack of Coordinated Security Strategy: The group emphasized the urgent need for a more coordinated security approach. They urged the National Security Adviser to work closely with state governors to formulate joint strategies that address regional threats more effectively.
3. Inadequate Understanding of Security Issues: According to Afenifere, the current centralized structure of security management has limited the capacity of operatives to fully understand and respond to localized threats. They believe a restructured system will help security agencies better identify the root causes of unrest.
4. Weak Local Government Involvement: The organization stressed the importance of involving local government councils in security matters. They called for immediate implementation of LG autonomy, which would allow grassroots authorities to respond swiftly to security challenges in their jurisdictions.
5. Insecurity Threatens Economic Activities: With farming and trading communities constantly under threat, Afenifere pointed out that the ongoing insecurity is crippling economic development. They proposed empowering local governments to establish farms and supply subsidized food items to improve food security.
6. Need for Stronger Regional Security Networks: The group called on South-West governors to recruit, train, and equip more Amotekun operatives—regional security personnel tasked with protecting Yoruba communities from internal threats.
7. Lack of Motivation and Resources for Local Operatives: Afenifere highlighted the urgent need to provide adequate motivation, resources, and training to local security personnel. Without proper support, regional efforts like Amotekun will be ineffective in confronting sophisticated criminal networks.
8. Failure to Address the Root Causes of Crime: Yhe current approach to national security is reactive rather than proactive. Afenifere wants a system that can dig deeper into the socioeconomic causes of insecurity and deploy long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.
9. True Federalism as a Solution: Afenifere sees restructuring—not just of the security system but of the entire Nigerian federation—as the key to solving political, economic, and social instability. They called on President Tinubu to leverage his democratic background to push for true federalism.
10. Role of Citizens in Security Oversight: Lastly, the group encouraged citizens at the grassroots to be actively involved in monitoring how local leaders use public funds, especially those meant for security, development, and agricultural support.
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