Insecurity: Coalition tasks security agencies on ungoverned spaces

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

A coalition of civil society organisations ( CSOs) has urged security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle persistent threats in ungoverned spaces across the country.

The coalition, under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Rights Groups on Security Sector Reforms (CCRGSR), stated this at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja.

The chairman of the coalition, Emmanuel Agabi, applauded the efforts of the armed forces and Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, in the rescue of the 44 school children and teachers abducted in Orire area of Oyo State.

Agabi noted that the successful rescue reflects a marked improvement in joint operational synergy and intelligence sharing across security agencies under the current administration.

According to him, “their resilience in the face of adversity has not only rescued innocent citizens but has also dismantled key elements of the criminal networks responsible for these heinous acts.

“We charge the Nigeria Police Force to do even more: deepen community policing reforms, enhance forensic and investigative capacities and strengthen partnerships with vigilante and local security networks.

“We laud President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force for the successful Oriire rescue and ongoing operations.

“Your efforts are restoring hope and confidence in our nation. We stand ready to partner in building a safer, more secure Nigeria where every citizen can thrive without fear.”

Nonetheless, he urged the government to ensure a sustained investment in equipment modernisation, enhanced civil-military relations and stronger community policing initiatives.