Groups seek broader strategy to tackle terrorism, banditry

In response to the escalating insecurity in Northern Nigeria, two prominent civil society organizations, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), are urging a shift towards a more holistic approach. They argue that military and security operations alone are insufficient to resolve the complex challenges of terrorism and banditry plaguing the region.

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Military and security operations alone cannot resolve the country’s complex security challenges.

At the Northern Nigeria Strategic Conference on Human Rights and Counterterrorism in Abuja, Yinka Folarin, National President of the CDHR, stressed that tackling the persistent threat of terrorism requires a coordinated response that extends beyond conventional security measures. He emphasized the critical need to address the underlying social, economic, and ideological factors that fuel insecurity. Folarin stated that defeating terrorism and violent extremism necessitates stronger collaboration among government bodies, security and intelligence agencies, civil society organizations, traditional and religious institutions, development partners, the private sector, and local communities.

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The persistent threat of terrorism required a coordinated response that goes beyond conventional security measures, the social, economic and ideological factors contributing to insecurity must also be addressed.

Folarin further asserted that human rights and national security should not be viewed as competing interests but rather as complementary foundations for achieving lasting peace and development. He called upon conference participants to engage sincerely in developing "practical, evidence-based and implementable recommendations" aimed at strengthening Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts while simultaneously safeguarding fundamental human rights.

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Nigerians should recognise and support the sacrifices being made by police officers and other security personnel in protecting lives and property.

Echoing these sentiments, Mogaji Olaniyan, National Chairman of the PCRC, appealed to Nigerians to acknowledge and support the sacrifices made by police officers and other security personnel. He pointed out that these individuals operate under difficult and dangerous conditions, underscoring their need for the cooperation and confidence of the communities they serve. Olaniyan urged the public to support lawful security operations and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, noting that improved police-public relations are crucial for more effective policing, especially in areas where insecurity has eroded trust.

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Security personnel operate under difficult and often dangerous conditions and require the cooperation and confidence of the communities they serve.