Making our security forces more proactive

By PAUL ARHEWE

The increased spate of bombings and terrorist attacks in recent times have vividly shown and exposed again how unsecured Nigeria is and the lacuna in its security outfits. Alertness and professionalism which are germane to securing a country with teaming population like Nigeria, are virtually absent or been compromised. To many, these current spates of bombings in the country may not have come as a surprise; as our security forces have been forewarned of the attacks by sect groups, especially the Boko Haram. In July last year when the Islamist sect group, Boko Haram, commemorated one year anniversary of the death of their slain leader, a serious security apparatus in the country would have been on the alert and highly proactive to nipping in the bud any premeditated and nursed onslaughts. This would have saved the country from the lugubrious situation we find ourselves.
From all indications, our country’s intelligence and security forces have done little to scuttle and avert these senseless bombings despite lead signals and warnings from many quarters. The confiscated 13 containers laden with arms and ammunitions at the Tincan Port in October last year, was indeed a good lead that should be enough to pass the signal to our security forces that, some people (be they politicians or religious fanatics) do not meant well for this country and appropriate actions needed to be taken to stop subsequent surprise attacks. After the world cup bombings in Uganda in an article published on July 18, 2010 with the title "Uganda Suicide Bombing: Why Nigeria Should Be Vigilant", this writer asked if Nigeria government was stepping up security to prevent or quell any surprise move like the Somali al-Shabaab linked to al-Qaeda group. This warning then came amidst website revelation that members of the Boko Haram sect were liaising and sympathising with the Iraqi al-Qaeda insurgents. The question raised then was "If this group should infiltrate our borders or pass the act of suicide bombing to their supposedly brotherhood in Nigeria, then destruction of life and property would remain unimaginable; given the poor security network we have and our large population".
In that article the admonition was "Nigerian government and security officers should wake up and brace up for the challenge ahead, and desist from treating with kid gloves the threats from the remnant of the Boko Haram group, especially as it commemorates one year of their leader’s death".
The recent revelation from the American Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), that the Abuja bombing is linked to al-Qaeda, is an indication that Boko Haram is bent on turning this country to another Afghanistan and Pakistan. The signature from the Abuja bomb matched those associated with other blast by the al-Qaeda terror network. It becomes a disturbing issue with the lack lustre approach our security operatives have shown to previous threats.
Nigerians are known for their lackadaisical approach and eleventh hour rush to address issues of prominence. This culture has been passed to issues concerning our national security and peaceful coexistence. Our security forces, including their intelligence squads, have caught this bug and seem to be compromising their professional calling to safeguard life and properties of the citizenry. In a report last week, it is revealed that FBI has conceded to Abuja’s request to station a permanent independent counter-terrorism unit in Nigeria that would aid in training our security forces in the act against terrorism, and help in preventing the rising incidents of blasts through better coordinated security surveillance. Our indigenous security outfit is again made a mockery of as the proposed counter-terrorism unit will operate independent from any of existing agencies in the country; as the Americans are scared many of their officials may have sold their conscience to bribery. Who dare say these Yankees are wrong?
Government introduction of accounts updating with banks to checkmate means for funding terrorism and their activities, and the intention to install close security circuit cameras all over the country is a welcome development. The police should be friendlier with the masses for people to willingly give vital information in curbing the excesses of these insurgents.