SDP Candidate Alleges Government Involvement in Nigeria’s Security Crisis
As Nigeria grapples with ongoing insecurity, including incidents of kidnapping and banditry, security experts have expressed differing views on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proposal to deploy Forest Guards with enhanced training as part of the country’s security strategy.
In a recent development, gunmen reportedly invaded the Army Post Housing Estate in Kurudu, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and abducted two individuals. This incident occurred shortly after a major police operation was launched against kidnappers and bandits in the Abuja general area.
Despite these security challenges, the police have not provided official comments on the Kurudu incident. The Guards Brigade, responsible for protecting the seat of power and the president, has also declined to comment on the matter. This latest abduction has raised concerns among residents, who had hoped for improved security following the launch of a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to address insecurity in the FCT.
However, security experts have expressed divergent opinions on the government’s plan to deploy Forest Guards with advanced training, modern technology, and weapons to bolster national security. While some experts support the initiative, others believe it will not effectively address the country’s security challenges.
Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, is sceptical about the Forest Guards’ ability to curb kidnapping and banditry, advocating instead for a highly trained Hostage Rescue Police/DSS Units equipped to directly confront these threats. On the other hand, Certified Protection Officer, Mr. Frank Oshanugor, acknowledges the potential of Forest Guards but raises concerns about the sophistication of modern crime, questioning their effectiveness in combating current criminal activities.
Dr. Wilson Esangbedo, former President of the Private Security Practitioners Association of Nigeria, emphasizes the importance of adequate funding and support for the Forest Guards to ensure their success in addressing insecurity. Conversely, security consultant Mr. Chuks Maha believes that while Forest Guards may reduce kidnapping, the crime’s syndicated nature requires a more comprehensive approach, including tougher laws and swift justice.
Meanwhile, Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the last presidential elections, has criticized the government’s response to rising insecurity, suggesting that the government itself may be implicated in the ongoing security challenges.
In response to these developments, the military has announced increased surveillance and operations to address kidnapping and banditry, particularly in the FCT and surrounding areas. The armed forces have prioritized areas affected by these crimes and are deploying advanced technologies and joint operations to combat criminal activities.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, the effectiveness of proposed measures like the deployment of Forest Guards remains a topic of debate among security experts and stakeholders. The government’s ability to address these challenges and ensure the safety of its citizens will likely remain a key concern in the coming months.
The Guardian
