By Mohammed Mohammed
The Adamawa State Government through the Permanent Secretary in Charge of Security, Mr. Mr. Shettima Aliyu, five other states in the North-east, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International-Defence and Security Programme (TI-DSP), United Kingdom (UK), have called for a more effective synergy in tackling human rights abuses and the various security challenges in the North-east.
CISLAC, while noting the interventionist measures however added that there is still so much work to be done giving the multi-dimensional security challenges that has bedevilled Nigeria over the years.
The advocacy meeting which was held in Yola, Adamawa State was at the instance of Mr. Shettima Aliyu Mohammed, Adamawa State, Tosin Zubairu, Bauchi State, MohammedWuyo, Borno State, Adamu Musa, Gombe State, Dr. Joseph Gimba, Taraba State and Ali Usman Rambo, Yobe State.
At the meeting, Messrs. Bertha Ogbimi and Shettima Aliyu, who represented CISLAC and Transparency International Defence and Security Programme, said the CSO has been advocating for adequate reforms in the Defence and Security sector.
This they said is done through: Strengthening Citizens Participation towards Peace and Security, Reconciliation and Stability in Nigeria (NERI Project); Strengthening Accountability in Nigeria’s Defence and Security Sector (SANDS Project), Increase Transparency, Accountability and Integrity in Nigeria’s Defence and Security Sector (ITAI Project), Protection of Civilians and Civilian Harm Mitigation in Armed Conflict (POC-CHM Project); and, Building community Resilience and Social Protection in the North-east (SCI Project).
According to them, CISLAC/TI-DSP has conducted series of high-level engagements with defence and security agencies and other relevant stakeholders in the country.
“We acknowledge the remarkable efforts of the state governments and the defence and security agents in restoring peace and security in the North-east, by curbing the activities of insurgents, bandits, Kidnappers, farmer-herder crisis, and many other activities of the armed opposition groups.
“We are also not unaware of the recent sustainable initiatives by the Adamawa State government in particular, like the bill that has just been assented to, which is targeted at mitigating communal crisis through the establishment of Adamawa State Peace Commission; the support by the state government in the ongoing programme on multi-national dimension and collaboration to engender peace and security (COMITAS); and the continued support of the government to security agencies in the state. ”They added.
They said: “The Inadequate synergy and clearly defined mandates between Security Agents and vigilante groups in curtailing insecurity and social unrest, lack of legal backing supporting the existence of vigilante groups, Hunters Union as well as institutional support (office building, equipment, vehicles); and personal welfare for efficient operation.
“The need for proper regulation of private security outfits in the state, Illicit use of drugs and substance abuse among the youth with high tendency to aggravate threats and insecurity, the need for dedicated Mobile Courts to give immediate judgement to the apprehended cases of drug abuse and other social vices.”
CISLAC therefore recommends that there should be enhanced synergy and coordination among security agents and vigilante groups to achieve operational efficiency and prevent cases of human rights abuse, formulation of legal backing supporting the existence of Vigilante Groups and Hunters Union for sustainable operational activities and efficient service delivery.
They said: “Adequate regulation of private security outfits in the state for proper identification and attribution, intensified drug abuse and resistance of education in schools and massive public enlightenment and sensitisation to discourage illicit drug abuse by the youth, institutionalised Mobile Court to expedite actions on illicit drug abuse with adequate financial support for Correction Centres from the State Government to reduce financial burden on parents/households, encourage equal referral and access to services.
“Enhanced Civil Society-State Government partnership in promoting peace and security through appreciable open-door policy for dialogues and engagements.
Meanwhile, while still proffering solutions, Ogbimi and Aliyu read both the first quarter and second quarter of the note respectively while the Permanent Secretary responded by thanking CISLAC for the visit and their recommendations towards promoting peace and security in the North-east region.
On synergy, the Permanent Secretary, said the local hunters and vigilantes were the ones who did most of the work concerning Boko-Haram, compared to the conventional security agents, adding that the Adamawa State is still working towards a more effective synergy.
“We are supporting the hunters and the vigilantes. Some of them are even working in collaboration with the military agencies in their deployed areas.
“Concerning Legal backing of the vigilante groups and the Hunter union, it is important to note that the state has no security output of its own. Nevertheless, the state still supports them, and that is why we have a level of relative peace.
“The state is also struggling with farmer- herders clash. There is an existing conflict resolution committee (The Farmer Grazier committee) that helps to resolve farmer-herders clashes. The state government also regulates the movement of farmers during harvest. Each zone has its own time of movement.
“On the regulation of private security outfits in the state, I think that is the responsibility of the DSS.” He said.
The Permanent Secretary, also noted that drug and substance abuse among the youth will aggravate threats and insecurity, the state is also working in synergy with The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), adding that drug abuse control is fundamental to achieving peace across the country.
However, Aliyu expressed great concern regarding the under-aged people who were detained on the basis of drug abuse, even after they have promised to change.
According to him, there could be a huge threat to the security and mentality of the children locked up in the cells, as they are exposed to other drug dealers that could corrupt their mind and even lead them into further crimes.
He further suggested that these children can be released and assisted through rehabilitation centres, as some of them have poor parents that cannot afford to have them rehabilitated, he added.
According to him, there plans to establish 10 skill acquisition centres in 10 different locations, as this will help to engage the youths, so they are not exposed/pre-disposed to bad eggs/peer group influence.
Of utmost importance he added that the state is open to collaborate with CISLAC, while requesting that CISLAC should assist in capacity building training of vigilantes on human rights and other matters that will improve the peace and security in the region.
