Beyond Locked Doors

Arguably, locking of doors is the height of security consciousness for many Nigerians. In much more appealing practices, people living in defined areas organise neighborhood vigilance as a way of securitizing their environment. There is an unspoken narrative that security is the exclusive job of the police and other relevant security agencies. As such, people are not naturally inclined to work together  with security personnel to ensure a peaceful and secure society.

Safeguarding the lives and properties requires collaborative efforts of security personnel and the people. This means that, people have an important role to play in ensuring that security personnel are efficient and effective in carrying out their statutory duties. For instance, lack of local intelligence in the terror-ridden Northeast Nigeria has been attributed to be one of the challenges of effectively combating insurgents in the zone. Behaviourally, people are less motivated to aid in security operations, unless they are significantly affected. Some other reasons could be perceived antecedents of unprofessionalism by members of security personnel, fear of retribution, etc.

Whatever the reasons are, considering the spate of security challenges nationwide, there is need for synergy between security agencies and the citizens in building a secure and peaceful society. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, ‘homeland security starts with hometown security, and everyone – individuals, parents, business owners, and community leaders – has a part to play’ in ensuring the safety of lives and properties.

Security is everybody’s business, especially in communities that have known violence. It requires the collective resolve of all in building sustainable peace. To achieve this, there is need to cultivate the culture of collectIvism that prompts people to think of security as a collective effort than an individual strength or an exclusive reserve of security agencies. Security agencies should counter the narrative of retribution most people have about them. They should show good examples in terms of professional conducts and commitment to ensuring the safety of lives. There should be reorientation campaigns to sensitise people that security is beyond locking one’s door. Security is a collective effort of all.

For Further Reading, Click: : A Fight For All
: Not Only For Soldiers
: Strengthening Community Resilience
: State Police and Traditional Institutions