A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani, has identified intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations as crucial measures for addressing Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
Ndarani made the call while speaking with journalists on Saturday in Abuja, following the recent rescue of 308 kidnapped victims from Kwara and Niger states.
He stressed that tackling insecurity requires a collective response involving security agencies as well as members of the public.
“I was worried but now delighted over the rescue of the victims abducted in separate attacks in Kwara and Niger states.
“With the release, Nigerians, and not just the families of the victims, will breathe a sigh of relief, and for that, we give thanks to God Almighty.”
The legal practitioner praised President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the various security agencies involved in what he described as the largest single-day rescue operation in Nigeria.
“Ribadu’s style of security approach to protecting lives and properties is one of the best in the world.
“If we must have victory against rural criminality, people in our local communities must be prepared to share information with the relevant authorities.
“If you see something, say something. Intelligence gathering is key as some of these criminals have relatives and friends who know what they are doing or are suspicious of some of their activities.
“These suspicious activities should be reported to grow efficiency and collaboration among citizens and our security agencies.”
According to him, the successful operation had renewed public confidence and hope, while urging security agencies to build on the achievement by strengthening efforts to stop further attacks and abductions nationwide.
“I urge Nigerians to continue to share useful security information with the authorities to stop these criminal attacks and make our nation safer and more peaceful.
“I commend president Tinubu and the NSA for their steadfast resolve to eliminate security threats, protect vulnerable Nigerians and restore lasting peace across the nation.”
Ndarani also urged the authorities to ensure that those responsible for the abductions face speedy and comprehensive prosecution, followed by appropriate sentencing.
“These criminals should be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to people who want to embark on such activities and as well bring justice to the victims of their actions,” Mr Ndarani said.
The latest rescue operation followed the release, weeks earlier, of 44 pupils and teachers abducted during a school attack in Oyo State after spending more than 50 days in captivity.
The succession of abductions and attacks across parts of north-central and southern Nigeria has intensified concerns over the spread of insecurity beyond areas traditionally associated with the country’s conflict.
