— Says fire-brigade security deployment infeasible, ineffective

By Dayo Johnson Akure

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has warned that the delay in the establishment of state police may trigger self help.

It faulted the federal government’s reactive deployment of security forces after terror attacks, describing the approach as infeasible and ineffective in protecting citizens.

According to the groups Secretary General, Chief Sola Ebiseni, “If there is any issue on which there is consensus currently in Nigeria, it is that the time for State Police is now.

Ebiseni in a statement in Akure, said that: “The unnecessary vacuum being created by the intolerable delay in ensuring State Police may soon be filled by intractable ethnic wars in response to the natural instincts for self and kindred protection if no urgent and immediate action be not taken.”

The group, therefore urged political actors not to exploit insecurity for political gain, saying the issue should be treated as a national concern like the collective fight against COVID-19.

He said Nigeria has become a deliberate target of international terrorism with a territorial agenda, adding that such actors disregard state boundaries and national sovereignty.

“The Federal Government should particularly note that terrorism is such a rapacious international scourge that seeking collaboration beyond borders for its termination is not tantamount to a surrender of national sovereignty,” he said.

Ebiseni argued that Nigerians who consented to be part of the country for better protection should not be permanently subjected to terror by compatriots acting with foreign elements.

He noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces, once celebrated for international peacekeeping in West Africa, are now overstretched by multiple theatres of conflict.

“The fire-brigade deployment of federal security forces after each strike of terror is infeasible, ineffective in the protection of citizens including particularly the farmers scattered in the huge ungoverned spaces all over the country while such permanent engagements strip the military of the awesomeness of its invincibility,” the statement read.

Afenifere recalled that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, declared support for state police upon his appointment and submitted a memorandum to the National Assembly for constitutional amendment.

The group also cited Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele’s recent backing for state police, and ongoing debate in the House of Representatives.

However, Ebiseni rejected aspects of the IG’s proposal, stating: “Contrary to the published content of the IG Memo, the State Police cannot tarry for a 60-month gestation period, its structure and recruitment will not be determined by the Federal Police or constituted by as many as 60% of federal police officers from the State concerned.”

“The fire power should be no less than possessed by the Federal Police or the terrorists they are recruited to tackle.”

On regional security, he said: “In Yoruba land, the Amotekun Regional Security Network only requires immediate upgrading as State Police with appropriate and commensurate fire power and continuous training. They are prepared physically and mentally for the task ahead.”

While commending the military’s efforts against insurgency, Ebiseni cautioned security personnel to “shun any temptation or ill-advised encouragements and recruitment for intervention in civil and democratic governance.”