The Real Talk: Prevention Over Prosecution
Nigeria is drowning in a sea of insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping. Prof. Ikechukwu lays it bare: the country’s obsession with prosecuting offenders and running rehabilitation programs simply isn’t cutting it. These methods, he argues, have yielded little to no real results, leaving citizens exposed and vulnerable. The fundamental issue isn’t about locking up bad guys; it’s about understanding why so many people are turning to crime and stopping it before it starts. He pointed out that ordinary Nigerians can no longer farm or travel without fear. “The security situation in Nigeria in recent times should concern every citizen as we have witnessed the rise in insurgency across the country,” he stated.
More Than Just Bad Guys: A Systemic Breakdown
Prof. Ikechukwu breaks down the interconnectedness of these criminal activities, highlighting that insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping, while distinct, all point to a larger breakdown in national security. He questions the effectiveness of simply tweaking legal codes, like switching between criminal and penal laws, asking a more pertinent question: “The issue on the table is, first there is insurgency, second there is banditry, third there is kidnapping. The three are distinctly related in that they all fall within criminality and then within variables that disrupt national security.” His core message? The real challenge is figuring out how to prevent these acts entirely, not just how to punish them afterward. He believes the current focus on prosecution methods is a distraction from the root cause.
Jailing More Isn’t the Answer
The idea of mass incarceration as a solution is also on Prof. Ikechukwu’s chopping block. He warns that filling up prisons only adds more pressure to an already overburdened system. “What’s the size of the prison? As you jail more and more people, you’re going to make more provisions for their feeding,” he reasoned. Even ideas about private companies building prisons don’t tackle the core problem of national security. He criticizes the tendency to celebrate small victories, like arresting a high-profile suspect, calling them “illusionary achievements” that don’t solve the everyday insecurity citizens face.
Rethinking Rehabilitation: Does It Really Work?
When it comes to amnesty and deradicalisation programs, Prof. Ikechukwu remains skeptical. He points to the constant cycle of insurgents surrendering, going through programs, and then allegedly returning to criminal activities. “There’s nothing preventing anybody from rehabilitation and reintegration. But I ask a few questions,” he posed. He highlighted that thousands have gone through government programs, yet the violence continues. A key concern is the screening process: “I don’t know by what screening method we came to the conclusion that these are repentant.” Moreover, he questioned the financial incentives offered, suggesting that a small monthly stipend might not be enough to deter someone accustomed to a life of crime and extravagance. “You finish, quote-unquote, deradicalizing me and release me. And what I’m getting from you is probably 200,000 in a month… I was used to blowing all kinds of money, spending a lot of money on drugs, drinks, women,” he explained.
Leveraging Technology: A Missed Opportunity
Prof. Ikechukwu believes Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine of underutilised technology that could supercharge security efforts. He points to:
- Telecommunications Tracking: “Every phone call you make in this country is loaded up through a tower. Therefore, you can triangulate, isolate, and know where your calls are coming from.”
- Financial Monitoring: Even cash transactions have traceable elements, and digital payments are even easier to follow. “Apart from the monies that are delivered by cash, it is possible to trace all such monies that are paid through the banking system.”
- Digital Surveillance: He emphasizes the need for security agencies to work hand-in-hand with financial institutions to flag suspicious activities. “The bank is not involved. The owner of this account, what can you tell us? These are doable things, they are not happening.”
Governance Failures: The Ultimate Culprit
Ultimately, Prof. Ikechukwu pins Nigeria’s security woes on deep-seated governance failures and weak institutions. It’s not about a lack of military might, but a fundamental flaw in how the country is run. “National security is not about prosecution. It’s about the fact that people all over the country can now go to their farms and feel safe,” he declared. He criticized the government for celebrating isolated military successes that have no impact on the daily lives of citizens. He gave examples of common crimes like people being robbed while cooking, highlighting that “Insecurity is the issue.”
A Nation Divided: Elite Protection vs. National Security
The professor also sounded the alarm on the dire state of the armed forces, citing inadequate funding, poor welfare, and low morale. This, he argued, cripples Nigeria’s ability to respond effectively to threats. He drew a stark contrast between the N36 billion allocated for the National Assembly parking lot and the paltry sum available for university education, questioning national budget priorities. “36 billion was put down for the rehabilitation of the parking lot of the National Assembly. 36 billion to park your cars. You can’t find 4 billion for university teachers.” He also noted that soldiers’ daily rations haven’t kept pace with inflation, leaving them struggling. His final verdict? Nigeria is prioritizing “elite self-protection” over genuine national security. Until citizens’ safety takes precedence over symbolic victories and the comfort of the elite, the country will remain trapped in this escalating cycle of insecurity.
(Source: Arise News)