By Damilola Olufemi
It is a verified truth that, in recent times, Nigeria has continued to witness rising cases of kidnapping, banditry insurgency, terrorism,among others.
Sad enough, oftentimes, these criminal acts come with attendant negative backlash for most of their victims — ransom payment, displacements, torture and death
These worrisome situation have left many querying the effectiveness of the nation’s security architecture .
For instance,the latest victim of kidnapping is Eniola Ojajuni, the National President of the Afenifere Youth Council.He was abducted by suspected gunmen in Abuja on February 17,2025.
His abductors are
demanding a ransom of N100 million for his freedom from captivity.
In several posts and videos, Ojanuni ,a former Ondo State governorship candidate, has been soliciting for financial assistance from all spirited individuals,to enable him regain his freedom.
The Afenifere chieftain’s abduction comes on the heels of a similar incident in Ifon, Ondo State, where several people were taken captive by suspected gunmen.
In the same vein,a recent discovery of explosives in Osun State, which was reverted by the Department of State Services (DSS), has also raised concerns about the spread of terrorism across the country, with 10 suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) members arrested in Ilesa,
The crack down operation took place at an old bungalow near St. Mary Catholic Church, Ifofin, and Ogbon Idio in the Ilesa-East Local Government Area of the State.
The DSS stated that the suspects were caught undergoing training for the manufacturing and detonation of explosives.
A Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier granted the DSS permission to detain the suspected terrorists for 60 days pending the conclusion of the investigation.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on the ex-parte motion, moved by DSS lawyer, Y.I. Umar ,held that the application was meritorious and accordingly granted.
“An order is hereby made enabling the State Security Service (aka DSS)/applicant to detain the respondents for sixty (60) days pending the conclusion of the investigation,” the judge ruled.
The case has therefore, been adjourned until March 3,2025.
Expectedly, these major incidents in Ondo and Osun States have sparked widespread fears and concerns over the nation’s worsening security situation.
One of the major issues raised by many who spoke to New Daily Prime, is that of security votes allocated to governors.
Security votes are funds given to governors to ensure the protection of lives and property in their states.
However,in recent times,there has been widespread allegation of lack of transparency and accountability in the use of the security votes by most states’ executives.
According to a security expert, Omobola Kolapo, the non-effective deployment of security votes by some governors largely accounts for the rising insecurity in the country.
He added, “Security votes given to governors are not being used effectively. There is no transparency and no accountability, and this has led to the heightened insecurity across the country.”
The establishment of Southwest Security Network, codenamed “Amotekun,” a regional security outfit established to provide security for locals in southwest states, was seen as a step in the right direction.
However, many stakeholders claim that the outfit is fast losing its value due to lack of funding, poor training, and inadequate equipment.
“Amotekun was established to complement the efforts of the federal government in tackling insecurity, but it has been hampered by lack of proper funding and training,” said Dr. Adeola Aluko, a Public Affairs analyst.
While speaking with New Daily Prime,Aluko added, “There is a need for a coordinated approach to tackling insecurity. The federal and state governments need to work together to share intelligence and resources.”
He criticised the federal
government for its slow response to security threats across the country.
“The government’s slow response to security threats has emboldened kidnappers and other criminals. The government at all levels needs to be more proactive in responding to security threats,” he said.
Aluko further stressed that a national security commission will help to coordinate the efforts of security agencies and ensure that they are working together effectively to tackle insecurity.
He also echoed the need for increased investment in security infrastructure, including surveillance equipment and communication systems.
“Investing in security infrastructure will help to improve the capacity of security agencies to respond to security threats and prevent kidnappings,” he added.
While reacting to the bomb discovery incident in Osun State, Kolapo said, “The discovery of a bomb in Osun State is a wake-up call for the government to take decisive action against terrorism too
He called on the government to be proactive in tackling insecurity rather than being reactive.
Furthermore, the lack of synergy between the federal and state governments has been identified as a major challenge in tackling insecurity.
In addition, the role of traditional rulers and community leaders in preventing kidnappings and other forms of insecurity has been emphasised.
According to Kolapo, “traditional rulers and community leaders have a crucial role to play in checking the menace kidnappings. They need to work closely with security agencies to provide intelligence and support.”
Moreover, the lack of effective communication between security agencies and the public has been identified as a major challenge in tackling insecurity.
“There is a need for effective communication between security agencies and the public. This will help to build trust and ensure that the public is aware of the efforts being made to tackle insecurity.”
Others majorvstakeholders in the security sector,have also called for the establishment of a national security commission to oversee the country’s security apparatus.
The heightened insecurity in Nigeria, including the recent abduction of Eniola Ojajuni, amplifies the need for urgent action to address the country’s security woes.
The government needs to be more transparent and accountable in the use of security votes, and Amotekun needs to be strengthened to tackle insecurity effectively.
The need for a coordinated approach to tackling insecurity, involving the federal government, state governments, traditional rulers, and community leaders, will also play an important role in curbing these monsters.
