The Asudemade Perspective Editorial on Sunday

The worsening state of insecurity across Nigeria has become one of the most pressing challenges confronting the nation. From the forests of the North-West to the highways of the South-West and communities across the Middle Belt, the scourge of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and violent criminality continues to inflict pain on citizens, disrupt economic activities and undermine public confidence in government.

While security challenges are not unique to Nigeria, what is unacceptable is any perception that the government is overwhelmed or helpless in the face of these threats. The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must ensure that such an impression does not take root among the citizenry. Governments derive legitimacy not merely from elections but from their capacity to protect lives and property. When citizens begin to lose faith in the ability of the state to guarantee their safety, the very foundation of governance is weakened.

The increasing sophistication of criminal gangs demands an equally sophisticated response from the state. Bandits and kidnappers have evolved from scattered criminal elements into organised networks operating across state boundaries, exploiting vast forests and difficult terrains as operational bases. The response to such a challenge cannot be conventional. It must be strategic, coordinated, intelligence-driven and relentless.

This is why security must cease to be viewed as the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government alone. State governments must become active partners in the war against criminality. Security architecture works best when all levels of government collaborate effectively. Governors, local authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and security agencies must work together to deny criminals the space they currently exploit.

Local governments, in particular, have a crucial role to play. If granted greater financial autonomy and allowed to effectively manage their resources, local authorities can become the first line of defence against insecurity. They are closest to the people and possess valuable local knowledge that can assist intelligence gathering, early warning systems and community policing initiatives. A nation cannot successfully fight insecurity from Abuja alone; the battle must also be won from the grassroots.

Against this backdrop, President Tinubu deserves commendation for approving the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security across the nation’s forests. This initiative represents a recognition of the reality that many criminal groups operate from remote forest locations beyond the reach of conventional security patrols.

However, recruitment alone is not enough. The forest guards must be equipped and trained to meet the demands of modern security operations. They should receive extensive training in the deployment of surveillance drones, digital mapping systems, satellite-assisted tracking devices and advanced communication equipment. The use of rugged motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles should become standard operational practice to enable rapid movement through difficult terrains inaccessible to larger vehicles.

Furthermore, government should invest in thermal imaging technology, night-vision devices, motion sensors, artificial intelligence-assisted surveillance systems and command-and-control centres capable of processing real-time intelligence. Armed helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles should be deployed to support forest operations, while modern intelligence fusion centres should be established to coordinate information from military, police, intelligence agencies and local communities.

The war against banditry is largely a guerrilla war. It requires mobility, speed, precision and superior intelligence. Technology must therefore become the force multiplier that gives security agencies an advantage over criminal networks. Nations that have successfully confronted insurgencies and organised criminal groups have done so through a combination of manpower, technology, intelligence and political will.

Equally important is the need to address the socioeconomic conditions that make criminal recruitment possible. Poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities continue to provide fertile ground for criminal organisations seeking foot soldiers. Security interventions must therefore be accompanied by economic policies that create jobs and restore hope to vulnerable communities.

Nigeria has overcome difficult challenges in the past. There is no reason why the current wave of insecurity cannot be defeated. What is required is determined leadership, institutional cooperation and an unwavering commitment to protecting citizens.

The Federal Government must not be seen as helpless. State governments must not act as spectators. Local governments must not be excluded from the security equation. Every level of government has a role to play, and every citizen deserves the protection of the state.

As the saying goes, “The darkest hour of the night comes just before dawn.” Governments at all levels must remain hopeful in purpose and helpful in action. With unity, courage and strategic resolve, Nigeria can reclaim every forest, secure every community and restore peace to every corner of the nation.