Hunting the Hunter

Countries all over the world set up policing units to maintain law and order. Nigeria is one of those countries that uses the instrumentality of the police force to enforce civil obedience, protect people and their properties from insecurities. It will suffice to say that, the police is the hunter of a society, ensuring that the society is safe by hunting down those that threaten its serenity.

Within the last 48 hours, Nigerian Police Force has witnessed three unrelated violent assaults in different locations of its stations. Yesterday, there were reports of gunmen invading a police station in Agudama community of Yenagoa Local Government of Bayelsa State, firing and killing four police personnel, and carting away arms and police uniforms. Much later, angry youths protesting the killing of a youth by an officer stormed the police station in Obowo Local Government Area of Imo state, looted valuables, released detainees, and then set the station ablaze. In Rivers state, two policemen accompanying a bullion van were shot dead by unknown gunmen with cash and rifles carted away.

Many might argue that these incidents could be as a result of unprofessionalism of the police personnel or the idea of peace becoming an illusion, and people taking laws into their hands rather than seek redress through appropriate channels. However, one thing is clear, Nigeria’s security woes are worsening by the day despite media reports of security sector stakeholders claiming otherwise. In these three cases, the police is the hunted.

Violence towards the police is a universal issue, but wise governments are seeking sustainable ways to mitigate its prevalence. The police cannot efficiently carry out their statutory obligations if they do not enjoy support of the public. To encourage this support, professional conduct is one of the best bets. Notwithstanding past incidents of police brutality, there is need to counteract the perception of the public towards the police. Reorientation campaigns will help to create awareness on the need for peaceful co-existence and collaboration between the police and members of the public in maintaining law and order.

SALW: Cage the Demon exposes the proliferation of arms nationwide and how it is a contributive factor to the widespread insecurity across the country. The article advocates for community participation in intelligence gathering as a way of reducing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. In the short run, active communication channels should be installed in police stations. This will help in calling for reinforcement during attacks. Also, adequate personnel and surveillance should be ensured in police stations nationwide for them to stand a chance in the face of invasion.