By James Sunday FCAI, MNIIA
It is no longer news that the call for the licensing of Private Security Contractors has become essential to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, especially at a time when schools are being invaded and pupils abducted, only for their captors to demand millions of naira in ransom from the families of victims. In some cases, the kidnappers even issue ultimatums to the government, threatening to execute their victims if demands are not met.
This is a devastating and deeply troubling situation, where non-state actors are increasingly acting with authority in carrying out criminal activities without remorse or fear.
This must be seen as both a challenge to state authority and an embarrassment to the nation. We cannot continue to watch criminals subject innocent children, women, and men to untold hardship, torture, abuse, violations of dignity, rape, extortion, beatings, and other merciless acts within our territory. It is completely unacceptable.
It is therefore advisable for the government to reflect on the following measures in order to better secure citizens and schools across the country:
Security priorities must be clearly defined.
Adequate budget allocation should be made for the Safe Schools and Civil Citizens Protection Project.
School safety systems should be enhanced through the deployment of well-armed and properly trained anti-kidnapping squads, as well as Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives for anti-bomb operations and mine clearance.
Standard emergency response structures should be established to ensure the timely evacuation of students before attacks occur.
Community intelligence networks should be revived and strengthened.
Mental health support systems should be put in place for affected children and families.
Beyond the attacks and kidnappings lies the issue of trauma, which must be treated as a serious concern. These include:
The trauma of fear.
The trauma of uncertainty.
The trauma children continue to carry long after media attention fades.
No child should ever associate education with terror. No parent should have to wonder whether sending a child to school is placing that child at risk.
Nigeria has enough retired men and women from the military and security services who are capable of complementing and supporting government efforts in intelligence gathering, security operations, rescue missions, and emergency response. These are willing and experienced individuals who served the country with integrity but are now largely forgotten despite remaining assets of immense value at this critical time.
Establishing a volunteer rescue platform with proper incentives would go a long way in mobilising capable hands to support government forces in combating bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers in affected localities, pending the establishment of state or community policing systems.
The country can no longer afford to wait while its citizens are being molested, maimed, killed, and extorted for millions of naira in ransom by their captors.
ACG James Sunday (Rtd.), FCAI, MNIIA
Migration and Border Security Consultant