Groups seek broader strategy to tackle terrorism, banditry

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights and the Police Community Relations Committee have urged a comprehensive, inclusive strategy to combat terrorism, banditry, and insecurity in Northern Nigeria. They emphasized that military and security operations alone are insufficient to address the country's intricate security issues.

These concerns were raised during the Northern Nigeria Strategic Conference on Human Rights and Counterterrorism held in Abuja. Speaking at the event, Yinka Folarin, the National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, stressed that the ongoing threat of terrorism necessitates a collaborative approach that extends beyond traditional security measures.

He stressed that addressing social, economic, and ideological factors contributing to insecurity is equally crucial. Folarin stressed that achieving peace and development requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, security agencies, civil society organizations, religious institutions, development partners, the private sector, and local communities.

He stressed that human rights and national security are complementary rather than competing interests. The Police Community Relations Committee's National Chairman, Mogaji Olaniyan, urged Nigerians to acknowledge and support the sacrifices made by security personnel while fostering positive relations between communities and law enforcement.