By Abdulsamad Abdulmalik
Public affairs analysts have called for improved security strategies, stronger community participation, and urgent economic interventions to address Nigeria’s growing insecurity and hardship.
The call was made during SBS FM Newspaper review, monitored by SBS FM reporter, Abdulsamad Abdulmalik, where the analysts examined recent security incidents, governance concerns, and the economic challenges facing citizens.
Speaking on insecurity, Comrade Tajudeen Habeeb said the kidnapping of the children of a relative of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, should not be compared with other abduction cases because of the peculiar circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to him, the kidnapping and rescue operation occurred within the same city, while investigations reportedly revealed that a resident of the community was involved in the crime and was killed during the rescue effort.
He described the incident as a deliberate attempt to extort money and noted that many criminal activities in Nigeria have become economically motivated.
Habeeb urged security agencies and citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in tackling security challenges.
Also speaking, Comrade Aleshinloye described the country’s security situation as unfortunate, arguing that it often creates the impression that influential individuals receive faster attention from authorities than ordinary citizens.
He called on the government to intensify efforts to rescue victims still in captivity and advocated the deployment of modern technology, including artificial intelligence, to strengthen security operations.
Commenting on the recent mass abduction of more than 400 people, Habeeb described the incident as embarrassing and stressed the need for more effective measures to combat insecurity.
He maintained that security is a collective responsibility and urged communities to play active roles in protecting their environments.
According to him, bandits should be treated as criminals and dealt with decisively under the law.
On recent security operations in Borno State, Aleshinloye commended security agencies for what he described as a significant achievement against insurgents.
He expressed hope that similar security threats would not spread to Kwara State and called for stronger preventive measures across the country.
Habeeb also noted that insurgent groups such as Boko Haram initially targeted security personnel to create fear among the population.
He observed that officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who are unarmed, often become vulnerable because of their official uniforms and called for improved protection for security personnel and civilians alike.
Aleshinloye, in his contribution, advocated a more robust security architecture and urged the government to take swift action over the killing of three FRSC officials.
He also recommended the use of technology to identify, track, and apprehend criminals.
On community policing, Habeeb argued that traditional communities once played active roles in maintaining security and social order.
He said the decline of such structures has contributed to rising insecurity and identified cultism as a major challenge in Kwara State.
He therefore called for constitutional amendments that would empower community leaders to take greater responsibility for security within their localities.
The discussion also addressed governance and public spending.
Aleshinloye acknowledged the constitutional powers of the National Assembly to undertake procurement activities but questioned the timing, given the country’s security and economic challenges.
He urged lawmakers to focus on policies and programmes that directly improve the welfare of citizens.
Speaking on public trust in government, Habeeb said many Nigerians have lost confidence in political leaders and now seek solutions to their problems independently due to what they perceive as inadequate government response to pressing issues.
Concluding the discussion, Aleshinloye highlighted the worsening economic hardship across the country and called on the government to introduce relief measures that would ease the burden on citizens.
