Let’s review Nigeria’s security architecture — Afenifere

The Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, called for a review of Nigeria’s security architecture on Friday.

It said its call became imperative following the increase in the spate of kidnapping, banditry, attacks on security officers and continuous herder-farmer clashes across the country.

It noted that there was no doubt that the federal government appreciates the need to prevent terrorism, as exemplified by the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 as amended by the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 (TPAA).

The group said that unfortunately, going by how terrorism activities grew between 2011 when the law was first passed and up until 2023, it cannot be said that the act was made to achieve its objective.

The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, said in a statement issued on Friday that the fact that kidnapping and related banditry have resurfaced in recent months is a testament that the government needs to take urgent steps to enforce the said law.

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While acknowledging that the army was mounting counter-terrorism measures, he maintained that “it is high time a serious review of the country’s security architecture is carried out.”

The group pointed out that on May 21, not less than 40 people were reportedly kidnapped at Zurak village in Wase LGA of Plateau State.

“Early this week, multiple suicide bombing attacks claiming many casualties were reported in Borno State. The list can go on,” Afenifere noted.

The group demanded an immediate constitution of state and local government police, engagement with local communities, and the deployment of modern technologies to combat crimes and forestall terrorism.