By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA— A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, has called on Nigerians to actively support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity by providing timely and credible information to security agencies working to restore peace and stability across the country.

Agbomhere, a legal practitioner and immediate past organizing secretary for South-South zone in a statement on Thursday, said despite security challenges, Nigerians should acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women who put their lives on the line daily in service to our nation.

He said the efforts of the security agencies deserve not only recognition but also the active support and cooperation of citizens,” he said.

The Chief Operating Officer, Ubijus Intelligence, an oil, gas, marine, environment, natural resources, security, law and business development consulting firm, commended Nigeria’s security and emergency response institutions for their resilience, professionalism and sacrifices in the face of evolving security challenges.

According to him, the Nigerian armed forces, comprising the army, navy and air force, alongside the Nigeria police force, the department of state services (DSS), the office of the national security adviser (ONSA), the special adviser on homeland security, the federal road safety corps (FRSC), the Nigeria security and civil defence corps (NSCDC), and other relevant agencies, have continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment in safeguarding lives and property despite operating under difficult circumstances.

“While significant challenges remain, it is important for Nigerians to acknowledge the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women who put their lives on the line daily in service to our nation. Their efforts deserve not only recognition but also the active support and cooperation of citizens,” he said.

Agbomhere emphastressed that security is a collective responsibility that cannot be left solely to government institutions: “No security architecture, regardless of its sophistication, can succeed without the support of the people.

“Given the size of our country and the complexity of modern security threats, citizens must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their communities. Timely intelligence from the public remains one of the most effective tools for preventing crime and bringing criminal elements to justice,” he stated.

He also expressed concern over what he described as attempts by certain individuals and groups to exploit the nation’s security challenges for political purposes.

He advised social media activis not to be promoting narratives capable of undermining public confidence in government institutions and inflaming public sentiment at a time when national unity and cooperation are most needed.

“Calling for protests against Insecurity in Nigeria or protest against the leadership of President Bola Tinubu is not an act of patriotism but an act of incitement and a call for anarchy.

“Protests and calls for anarchy by illiterates and ill-wishers of Nigeria are not the solutions to our current predicament of insecurity.

“The kidnappings and wanton killings are condemnable, howbeit, no nation has ever succeeded through anarchy. The level of insecurity in the land requires the commitment of all citizens of Nigeria to solve. “

Agbomhere alleged that some political actors were using insecurity as a platform to advance partisan interests ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that inflammatory rhetoric and attempts to mobilise public anger against constituted authority could further deepen national tensions.

“While every Nigerian has a constitutional right to freedom of expression, there is a difference between constructive criticism and actions capable of inciting public disorder.

“At a time when our security agencies are intensifying efforts to combat criminality, citizens should be encouraged to support lawful institutions rather than promote narratives that may weaken public trust and national cohesion,” he said.

He maintained that protests and public demonstrations alone would not solve the country’s security challenges, insisting that meaningful progress requires collaboration between citizens, communities and security agencies.

“The fight against insecurity demands collective commitment. Communities must become active partners in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.

“Across developed democracies, citizens serve as the first line of defence against crime through vigilance, community engagement and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Nigeria should be no different.”

Agbomhere further urged public office holders, security personnel and law enforcement agencies to remain diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities by preventing crime, apprehending offenders and ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He called on Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s institutions, noting that the fight against criminality requires patience, resilience, trust in lawful authorities and sustained collaboration between government and the people.

“Nigeria will overcome its current security challenges if citizens, communities and government institutions work together in the national interest. This is a time for unity, patriotism and collective action, not division. Together, we can build a safer and more secure nation for all,” he concluded.