We Deserve to Know!

For considerable time, there have been a myriad of debates, usually in favour of incorporating citizens in the process of intelligence gathering that will aid in tackling the rapidly increasing security challenges across the country.

One of the outcomes of President Muhammadu Buhari’s meeting with the Service Chiefs yesterday was the agreement to co-opt Nigerians in gathering intelligence that will strengthen the operations of security forces.  Also, according to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique, the nation’s security strategy has already been changed, with the new one adjudged effective in addressing the country’s insecurities.

It may appear laudable that the various policy advocacies seem to reaching the right ears. However, it is important that the nation is also informed about the processes which informs the change of the security strategy and the modalities employed to conclude that it is effective. It is paradoxical to say that new and somewhat unknown security strategy has been adjudged efficient when Nigerians are still been killed in different security woes nationwide. Just yesterday, 27 people were brutally killed in Katsina, probably while the chiefs are declaring their competence.

A nation’s security strategy could be holistic, encompassing approaches that is employed in tackling security problems facing the nation in question. Likewise, a security strategy could be specifically mapped out to address a particular security issue, hence not compatible to other security woes. As has always been advocated for, Nigeria needs a clearly defined security strategy that is either holistic enough to accommodate tactics to be used in tackling the different insecurities across the country, or it should be carefully drawn to address distinct conflict issues. A one-size-fits-all strategy would not be in the interest of the nation. Moreover, any strategy not derived from security sector reform is already deficient.

Nigeria’s security strategy should not be held in secrecy. There is no way citizens can contribute their quota in ensuring a peaceful and secure Nigeria if they do not have an idea of what constitutes the government’s strategy. Against the backdrop of the daily wanton killings, it is insensitive to imply that the nation is on top of the security situation without giving facts and figures that informed that assertion.