Insecurity: CAN calls for stronger security response nationwide

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in its South-West Region has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of insecurity across the country, demanding decisive action from both federal and state governments. The group specifically called for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity and to bolster the nation's security architecture.

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The Federal Government should immediately review and strengthen the nation’s security architecture and ensure that all security agencies are adequately equipped with modern surveillance technology, drones, intelligence systems, communication gadgets, and rapid-response capabilities necessary for effective contemporary security operations.

In a statement released on Sunday, CAN Chairman for the South-West, Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya, highlighted the need for security agencies to be equipped with advanced surveillance technology, drones, intelligence systems, and rapid-response capabilities. The association noted the rising incidents of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes in states like Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos, which have created widespread fear and uncertainty.

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The Federal Government should declare a state of emergency on security.

CAN condemned these criminal acts, offering sympathy to victims and their families, and prayed for the safe release of those currently held captive. The association also suggested that the Federal Government seek technical and intelligence support from friendly nations and international partners, emphasizing that national security should supersede pride and bureaucracy.

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Our forests, highways, farms, and border communities are increasingly vulnerable to criminal infiltration. The region appears to be gradually encircled by growing security threats.

Furthermore, CAN urged the governors of the South-West states to address the escalating threats, stating that the region "can no longer afford complacency." The statement pointed out the increasing vulnerability of forests, highways, farms, and border communities to criminal infiltration. The governors were called upon to strengthen regional security collaboration, support community-based intelligence gathering, improve surveillance, and enhance the effectiveness of existing security outfits. Christians were also urged to intensify prayers for divine intervention.

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We, therefore, call on the governors of the South-West states to strengthen regional security collaboration, support community-based intelligence gathering, improve surveillance, and enhance the operational effectiveness of existing security outfits.