Insecurity: expert calls for transformation of NSCDC to National Guard

A security expert, Olu Ajanaku has called on the Federal Government to transform the Nigeria  Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to a virile national guard.

Ajanaku made the call on Tuesday while delivering a paper titled “Governance and Insecurity in Nigeria: Responsibilities of the Lay Faithful” at the Catholic Action Seminar, Akure.

He suggested that NSCDC be made the fourth branch of the Armed Forces to support them in order to reduce the current strain on them.

Ajanaku, a retired director, Department of State Services also urged the Federal Government to
involve the private security sector, the academia and research institutions in tackling present security challenges.

He tasked the government to seek better understanding with the European Union to mitigate the effects of climate change as it was done in Northern Africa.

According to Ajanaku, with rising insecurity across the nation, the country needs relentless commitment from the leadership to meet the people’s aspirations as a central condition for ultimate security.

“I am worried over the threatening dimensions of commercialised kidnapping ranging from adoption of large population of students to hostage taking on the highways, all for ransom.

“It is high time steps were taken to arrest ethno-religious intolerance and conflicts, arms proliferation in use by herdsmen, kidnappers and robbery gangs, among others.

“And, one of the strategies to tackle the menace of insecurity in Nigeria is the involvement of private security outfits, academia, and research institutions by the government at all levels,” he said.

“The Federal Government should reach an agreement with the states to have Local Police Services,” Ajanaku suggested further.

He said the Amotekun security initiative in the South-West was a right step that emphasised localized ownership of security outfits.

The security expert urged Catholic lay faithful to contest elections into elective positions and engage authorities on security matters and good governance while supporting humanitarian activities.

According to Ajanaku, there is need to organise sensitisation programmes for lay faithful and other Nigerians, diligent talent hunt for potential leaders and their recruitment, support for localised ownership of security outfits among others.