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, multi-faceted 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 challenges.

At the Northern Nigeria Strategic Conference on Human Rights and Counterterrorism in Abuja, Yinka Folarin, National President of the CDHR, stressed that a coordinated response involving social, economic, and ideological factors is crucial to tackling the persistent threat of terrorism. Folarin stressed that military and security measures must be complemented by collaboration among governments, security agencies, civil society organizations, traditional and religious institutions, development partners, the private sector, and local communities.

He firmly stated that human rights and national security are not opposing goals but rather essential pillars for enduring peace and development. Folarin appealed to attendees to dedicate themselves to crafting practical, evidence-based, and actionable recommendations that can enhance Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts while protecting fundamental human rights.

Mogaji Olaniyan, the National Chairman of the PCRC, implored Nigerians to acknowledge and back the efforts of police officers and security personnel who risk their lives to safeguard lives and property. He emphasized that security personnel operate in challenging and dangerous circumstances and require the community’s cooperation and trust.

He urged Nigerians to support lawful security operations and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, adding that improved relations between the police and the public would bolster policing efforts, especially in communities where insecurity has eroded trust between residents and security institutions.