PILLAR 1: SECURITY AND PEACE BUILDING

A SAFER CONSTITUENCY FOR ALL

“Without security, there can be no development. Without peace, there can be no progress.”

Insecurity is one of the gravest challenges confronting Nigeria today. For too long, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, armed robbery and other forms of violent crime have threatened lives, livelihoods and the stability of our communities. Sadly, no part of the country can afford to assume that it is immune.

The consequences are devastating. Farmers are afraid to go to their farms, threatening food production and household incomes. Travellers risk abduction on our highways. Families live in fear of attacks in their homes and communities. Victims and their relatives face ransom demands, often exhausting their savings or selling their possessions in desperate attempts to secure the release of loved ones.

Businesses suffer, investments are discouraged, children lose learning opportunities, and communities are held back by fear.

A country where citizens cannot safely travel, farm, trade, attend school or sleep peacefully in their homes has a security problem that demands urgent and decisive action.

How did we get here? More importantly, what must we do to reverse this dangerous trend?

I believe we must move beyond expressions of concern and adopt a comprehensive, intelligence-driven and community-responsive approach to security.

1. STATE POLICE: BRINGING SECURITY CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE

I believe state police should form a central part of Nigeria’s response to its security challenges.

Nigeria is a vast and diverse country with different geographical conditions, languages, community dynamics and security threats. A single centrally controlled police structure cannot always respond adequately to every local challenge.

State police could improve response times, strengthen knowledge of local terrain and languages, enhance intelligence gathering and help identify suspicious activities before they escalate into violent crimes.

However, state police must not become instruments of political intimidation or persecution. Constitutional safeguards, professional standards, independent oversight and effective accountability are essential to protect citizens’ rights.

Local problems require locally informed solutions. Our objective must be a policing system that is more responsive, effective and trusted by the people.

2. INTELLIGENCE-LED POLICING AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY

Security agencies must be equipped to prevent crime, not merely respond after lives and property have been lost.

We need better intelligence gathering, effective information sharing, modern surveillance systems, reliable communications, forensic capabilities and efficient emergency response mechanisms.

Technology must serve a clear operational purpose. Equipment must be matched by trained personnel, maintenance, effective coordination and measurable results.

Communities should have safe and accessible channels to report suspicious activities, with timely responses from the appropriate authorities.

3. COMMUNITY VIGILANTE GROUPS: ORGANISE, TRAIN, EQUIP AND FUND

Security is everybody’s business.

Government has the primary responsibility to protect lives and property, but communities, traditional institutions, businesses and responsible citizens also have important roles to play in preventing crime.

I advocate the formation and strengthening of community vigilante groups across our communities, working in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other authorised security agencies.

Residents often possess valuable knowledge of their environment, local terrain and emerging threats. When properly organised, trained, equipped, funded and supervised, community vigilante groups can contribute to neighbourhood surveillance, early warning, intelligence reporting and the timely identification of security threats.

But we must be realistic: we cannot expect people to help secure their communities without providing the necessary preparation, resources and institutional support.

I therefore advocate the following:

Adequate funding: State and local governments must make appropriate budgetary provisions for lawful community security initiatives. Well-meaning individuals, businesses and community organisations should also be encouraged to contribute through transparent and accountable arrangements.

Proper training: Members should receive training in observation, intelligence reporting, emergency response, first aid, conflict de-escalation, human rights and lawful conduct.

Appropriate equipment: Groups need communication devices, torches, protective clothing, first-aid kits, mobility support and other lawful equipment suited to their responsibilities.

Supervision and accountability: Clear operational guidelines, proper identification, defined responsibilities, oversight and procedures for reporting misconduct must be established.

Effective coordination: Community vigilante groups must have reliable communication and referral channels linking them with the police and other authorised security agencies.

Vigilante groups must complement, not replace, professional law enforcement. They must operate within the law, respect human rights and remain subject to appropriate oversight.

The goal is to establish a coordinated security network in which communities participate meaningfully, threats are reported promptly and professional security agencies can respond effectively.

We cannot demand community participation in security while neglecting the resources and training necessary to make that participation effective.

4. RAPID RESPONSE AND SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS

When kidnapping or a violent attack occurs, every minute matters.

We need accessible emergency reporting channels, rapid-response capacity, coordinated rescue operations and effective communication between security agencies and affected communities.

Government must strengthen efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks, trace criminal proceeds and bring perpetrators to justice.

Victims and their families should also have access to appropriate protection, trauma-informed assistance and support during and after these terrifying experiences.

No family should be left to navigate such a crisis without effective institutional support.

5. SECURING FARMS, COMMUNITIES AND TRANSPORT ROUTES

Security is also an economic issue.

Farmers must be able to cultivate and harvest their crops without fear of attack. Traders must transport their goods safely. Students must attend school, and workers and travellers must be able to use public roads without living under the constant threat of abduction.

Security planning should prioritise vulnerable farming communities, rural roads, transport corridors, markets and other locations identified through credible threat assessments.

A safer environment will help restore economic activity, strengthen food security and encourage investment.

6. PEACE BUILDING AND PREVENTION

Sustainable security requires more than armed enforcement.

We must address the conditions that can contribute to violence and criminality, including youth unemployment, social exclusion, unresolved communal disputes and a lack of legitimate economic opportunities.

Dialogue, conflict mediation, civic education, youth skills development and constructive engagement among communities can help prevent disputes from escalating into violence.

Poverty must never be used to excuse criminality. Prevention, effective law enforcement and access to opportunity must work together.

MY COMMITMENT TO OWERRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

As a prospective representative of Owerri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, I will advocate for security reforms that strengthen federal-state coordination, improve intelligence sharing, support effective community policing and advance constitutionally safeguarded state police.

I will press for appropriate security funding, effective legislative oversight and accountability for results.

I will also engage communities across Owerri Municipal, Owerri North and Owerri West to identify their security concerns and ensure that those concerns inform policy discussions and resource allocation.

My approach is based on a simple conviction: security must be measured not merely by the number of personnel deployed or equipment purchased, but by whether people are safer in their homes, on their farms, on our roads and in their places of work.

The people of Owerri Federal Constituency deserve to live without the constant fear of kidnapping, violent crime or communal conflict. They deserve a future in which children can attend school, farmers can work their land, businesses can thrive and families can sleep peacefully.

Government must provide leadership. Communities must participate. Security agencies must act professionally. Those willing to help must have transparent channels through which to contribute.

Together, we can build safer communities across Owerri Municipal, Owerri North and Owerri West.

SAFER COMMUNITIES. STRONGER PARTNERSHIPS. PEACE OF MIND FOR ALL.