Is Nigeria doing enough to tackle insecurity?

Nigeria's heightened insecurity has been a growing cause of concern leading to a change in its Service Chiefs earlier in the year. The country has been grappling with various security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings. Onyekachi Adekoya, Managing Director of PR24, emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the current security situation and a strategic shift in approach to effectively tackle these issues. Adekoya highlighted the importance of the new service chiefs taking stock of the existing security measures and learning from past successes and failures. He emphasized the need to prioritize human rights values in security operations to address the concerns raised by international bodies like the ICC. In terms of countering insurgency, Adekoya acknowledged the Nigerian military's victories in the fight against insurgency in the North East but stressed the significance of collaboration with neighboring countries and intelligence sharing. He pointed out the constraints faced due to financing issues and the complexities of border security, especially in the Sahel region. Adekoya called for an Africa-centric approach to address the security challenges in the Sahel region, highlighting the interconnected nature of the security threats in the region. The rise of banditry and kidnappings in Nigeria has added another layer of security concern. Adekoya emphasized the need to analyze the root causes of the problem, which involve political dynamics, clashes between farmers and herders, as well as the involvement of transnational criminal networks. He called for a more localized approach to security, urging the government to consider restructuring the police force and implementing state policing to effectively address the diverse security threats facing the country. In conclusion, Adekoya underscored the necessity of a multilateral approach to address Nigeria's security challenges. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among West African countries and international partners to combat the transnational nature of the security threats in the region. Adekoya's insights shed light on the complexities of Nigeria's security landscape and the strategic reforms required to enhance the country's security architecture.