The Plateau State crisis is a complex issue that has defied easy solutions. Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, recently shared his insights on why the conflict persists, pointing to a lack of clear intelligence and understanding of the root causes. This article breaks down Ejiofor’s analysis and explores potential ways forward.
Key Takeaways:
- Lack of clear intelligence on perpetrators is hindering conflict resolution.
- Conflicting narratives and government inaction are exacerbating the crisis.
- Ejiofor advocates for a ‘first line of defence’ involving local communities.
- Kidnapping has become a franchise, with ransom money potentially funding larger networks.
The Intelligence Gap: Why Plateau Remains a Puzzle
Mike Ejiofor, speaking on ARISE NEWS, didn’t hold back. He stated that Nigeria isn’t short on intelligence overall, but when it comes to Plateau State, something’s seriously amiss. According to him, the core issue is that nobody seems to know who the real troublemakers are, what they want, or how they’re organized. It’s like fighting shadows!
“What is happening in Plateau State seems to have overwhelmed everybody,” Ejiofor emphasized. He pointed out that without knowing the leaders, aims, and objectives of the perpetrators, finding a lasting solution is next to impossible. He also criticised how commissions of inquiry results are not being shared or acted upon.
Conflicting Stories and Government Stalling
Ejiofor also highlighted the problem of conflicting narratives. One day it’s ethnic cleansing, the next it’s a land dispute. This confusion, coupled with perceived government inaction, only makes things worse. The lack of a unified, informed response is fueling the chaos.
A ‘First Line of Defence’: Empowering Communities
So, what’s the solution? Ejiofor proposes a ‘first line of defence’ – a community-based security force made up of retired officers, local leaders, and town union members. These individuals, armed and supervised by the police, could provide crucial intelligence and support to the overstretched national forces. The Council on Foreign Relations supports the idea of localized solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
“If we get the communities involved, they will be more committed,” Ejiofor argued. He believes that locals have the knowledge and the stake to protect their homes, but they need the resources and support to do so effectively.
Kidnapping: A Lucrative (and Growing) Franchise
Ejiofor also touched on the broader issue of insecurity, particularly the rise of kidnapping. He warned that these criminal networks have evolved into profit-driven franchises, with ransom money potentially being funneled to unseen backers. This suggests a deeper, more organized criminal ecosystem at play.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), kidnapping for ransom is a significant security threat in Nigeria, with complex underlying factors including poverty, unemployment, and weak governance.
Time for a New Playbook
Ejiofor concluded with a stark warning: Nigeria needs to ditch its failed strategies and embrace new approaches based on solid intelligence and community involvement. Continuing down the same path will only lead to more of the same – more violence, more instability, and more suffering.
“We cannot continue to do the same thing in the same way and expect a different result,” he said. It’s time for a change.
