A group of young Nigerians today staged a protest at the National Assembly, urging the federal government to take immediate and decisive measures to address the worsening insecurity across the country.
The protest, tagged “Nigerians Unite Against Terror,” commenced at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and ended at the National Assembly complex, where demonstrators called for stronger security measures and greater accountability from government officials and security agencies, reports The Guardian.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, the convener of the group, Isah Abubakar, described insecurity as a national challenge that transcends ethnic, religious and political affiliations.
According to him, persistent attacks by bandits and terrorists continue to threaten the safety of citizens and restrict movement in many parts of the country.
“There are roads in Nigeria that once it is 5 p.m., you cannot pass through those roads,” Abubakar said.
He noted that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation, stressing that criminal groups do not discriminate in carrying out attacks.
“Those affected are not only members of the APC, ADC, PDP, NDC or PRP; they are Nigerians.
“The bandits are not selective. They do not care about your religion, your tribe, your political party or your tradition. It is something that affects us across religious and political lines,” he said.
Abubakar stated that citizens have a duty to demand accountability from those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property.
“It is our responsibility as citizens to call the attention of those responsible for protecting lives and properties that enough is enough,” he said.
“It is time to give us security. It is time to protect lives and properties. It is time to protect children and protect women from being raped.”
He warned against allowing criminal elements to continue occupying forests and rural communities, insisting that government authorities must adopt a more proactive approach to tackling insecurity.
“We cannot continue in a situation where our forests are being left for people who do not know the value of life to take over.
“Our demands are simple: end insecurity. It is time for proactiveness and sincerity of purpose by those who govern us,” he added.
Also speaking, co-convener of the protest, Austim Okhai, called on retired military officers and former heads of security agencies to contribute their expertise towards addressing the country’s security challenges.
“We call on former military leaders, former service chiefs, former directors of the DSS, former Inspectors-General of Police and former Commandants-General of the NSCDC to collaborate in ensuring that the interest of the country comes first,” he said.
Okhai argued that insecurity has become a threat to democratic participation and political activities, noting that political engagement cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and violence.
“No political party can hold a rally when the people mobilised for such an event cannot safely return to their homes,” he said.
“For that reason, members of the APC, ADC, PDP, PRP, Atiku supporters, Obidients, Kwankwasiyya supporters and every Nigerian must speak with one voice against insecurity.”
He cited the recent abduction of the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi State as evidence that insecurity affects individuals irrespective of their political or religious background.
“As I am talking to you now, the APC chairman in Kebbi is in the hands of bandits.
“The state is governed by the APC. The bandits kidnap Muslims, Christians and even traditional rulers. It is unfortunate that many former leaders are keeping quiet in the face of insecurity,” he said.
Okhai maintained that the National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to ensure accountability within the country’s security architecture.
“The National Assembly has the right to demand accountability. It is part of democracy. What we need now is collaboration among all citizens,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely information that could assist in combating criminal activities.
“If a soldier or a police officer comes to your house to apprehend a suspect and you hide the culprit, what magic will they perform?” he asked.
Okhai further stressed the need for adequate training, funding and equipment for any proposed state police and forest guard structures.
According to him, security personnel must be properly armed and equipped to effectively confront heavily armed criminal groups operating across the country.
“The only advantage the bandits have over us is that they are armed with AK-47 rifles. Even if we establish state police and fail to arm them properly, it will still be a waste of time,” he said.
He referenced a recent incident in Kwara State where suspected bandits reportedly disarmed forest guards and carted away their motorcycles, attributing the development to inadequate equipment and operational support.
“That is why we are advocating that in creating state police and forest guards, proper training should be provided and they should work closely with other security agencies,” he added.
The protesters maintained that insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges and urged authorities at all levels to intensify efforts to restore peace and protect lives and property.
They also called on citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that collective action is necessary to defeat criminal elements and restore public confidence in the nation’s security system.
“Our voices must be heard. We are here because insecurity persists. We urge Nigerians that if they see something, they should say something and do something,” Okhai said.
