Security Experts Call on Nigerian Government to Release Nnamdi Kanu and Political Prisoners for National Consolidation
In an effort to consolidate national peace and harmony, a group of security experts comprising academics, professionals from the private and public sectors, para-military organizations, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice have urged the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu and other political prisoners. The call came during the 6th annual security executive conference organized by the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies (ISSS) in Calabar, themed Nigeria’s Security Challenges: Panacea for Socio-Economic Development.
The forum of security experts, represented by the Board Secretary of the Institute, Prof. Azeez Olaniyan, Richard Kalu of the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and two others, highlighted various factors contributing to separatist agitations in Nigeria. These included feelings of marginalization, the inadequacy of the 1999 constitution in enabling states to fulfill their roles as federating units, lack of basic amenities, nepotism, ineptitude of leaders, poverty, and unemployment.
To address these challenges and enhance national security, the experts recommended providing essential amenities to the populace, which would help to mitigate security risks and tensions. They also suggested promoting high-level vigilance, fostering community policing to combat kidnapping, strengthening the Joint Taskforce and inter-agency security meetings, conducting regular training and capacity building of security personnel, establishing a seamless communication network among agencies, and fortifying national security strategies.
During the conference, former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paddy Ogon, emphasized that if the federal government heeds the experts’ call, Nigeria would have a genuine opportunity to overcome its challenges and regain stability. The key objective of the security stakeholders conference was to identify the nation’s security issues and devise effective strategies to address them.
By releasing Nnamdi Kanu and other political prisoners, the security experts believe that the Nigerian government can foster national peace, cohesion, and socio-economic development. The recommendations put forth by the experts offer a holistic approach to tackling the root causes of separatist agitations and insecurity, focusing on providing basic amenities, enhancing security measures, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration.
This call from the security experts highlights the importance of addressing marginalized voices, rectifying constitutional deficiencies, and alleviating socio-economic factors that contribute to unrest. With the implementation of these recommendations, Nigeria can take significant steps towards building a more secure and prosperous nation for all its citizens.
