Crime and security has always
been a major problem in several nations. Nigeria is not an exception to
this. The protection of a nation depends
on the strength of its security agencies. In Nigeria, several steps have been
taking to curb crime in the federal, state and local government level. Security
agency is a governmental organization which conducts intelligence activities
for the internal security of a nation. For example in America, there is the FBI
(Federal Bureau of Investigation). There is no centralized security agency in
Nigeria. The DSS (Department of State Services) in Nigeria is responsible for
the protection of senior government officials particularly the president and
governors.
been a major problem in several nations. Nigeria is not an exception to
this. The protection of a nation depends
on the strength of its security agencies. In Nigeria, several steps have been
taking to curb crime in the federal, state and local government level. Security
agency is a governmental organization which conducts intelligence activities
for the internal security of a nation. For example in America, there is the FBI
(Federal Bureau of Investigation). There is no centralized security agency in
Nigeria. The DSS (Department of State Services) in Nigeria is responsible for
the protection of senior government officials particularly the president and
governors.
In Nigeria, at the federal
level, security agents comprise the Police, Army, Immigration Service, Customs
Service, DSS, Civil Defense Corps and so on. There has always been an overlap in the
functions of these agencies.
level, security agents comprise the Police, Army, Immigration Service, Customs
Service, DSS, Civil Defense Corps and so on. There has always been an overlap in the
functions of these agencies.
The Agency which has been
bothering Nigerians is SARS (Special Anti Robbery Squad). In 2009, SARS found
its way into Nigerian Universities to curb internet fraud and cultism. Ten
years later, that is not what we have today. SARS go against Nigerian youth with
dreadlocks, piercings, expensive cars and mobile phones. This has led to the #endSARS
campaign because of the constant abuse by these operatives.
bothering Nigerians is SARS (Special Anti Robbery Squad). In 2009, SARS found
its way into Nigerian Universities to curb internet fraud and cultism. Ten
years later, that is not what we have today. SARS go against Nigerian youth with
dreadlocks, piercings, expensive cars and mobile phones. This has led to the #endSARS
campaign because of the constant abuse by these operatives.
The problem with these
security agents including SARS is corruption. They brutalize citizens and get
away with it. Police officers who are to safeguard the citizenry kill because
of bribe. The Constitution safeguards the human rights of every Nigerian. Such
rights include the right to life, the right to the freedom of movement, the
right to personal liberty, and so many others which have been deliberately
ignored by these security agents. The most common is the detention of
protesters by these security agents who have a right to freedom of assembly and
freedom of speech.
security agents including SARS is corruption. They brutalize citizens and get
away with it. Police officers who are to safeguard the citizenry kill because
of bribe. The Constitution safeguards the human rights of every Nigerian. Such
rights include the right to life, the right to the freedom of movement, the
right to personal liberty, and so many others which have been deliberately
ignored by these security agents. The most common is the detention of
protesters by these security agents who have a right to freedom of assembly and
freedom of speech.
The importance of security agencies
to any nation cannot be overemphasized as they are solely responsible for the
security and protection of life and properties in Nigeria. However, a line must
be drawn to ensure that the human rights of citizens are safeguarded while
pursuing their functions.
to any nation cannot be overemphasized as they are solely responsible for the
security and protection of life and properties in Nigeria. However, a line must
be drawn to ensure that the human rights of citizens are safeguarded while
pursuing their functions.
The questions that easily
come to mind are: what is the punishment available to erring officers who
deviates from the rules of engagement? What is the thin line between the rules
of engagement and human rights?
come to mind are: what is the punishment available to erring officers who
deviates from the rules of engagement? What is the thin line between the rules
of engagement and human rights?
The various questions and
issues on operations by security agents and the way forward would be discussed
at the Plenary Session of the NBA Annual General Conference scheduled to hold
on;
issues on operations by security agents and the way forward would be discussed
at the Plenary Session of the NBA Annual General Conference scheduled to hold
on;
Date:
Wednesday, 28th August 2019
Wednesday, 28th August 2019
Time: 11.00 – 12.30
Venue:
Lantana, Eko Hotel
Lantana, Eko Hotel
Speakers:
Chair: Chief of Army Staff
Lead Speaker: Stanley Ibe
Panelists:
Major General Shalangwa (IGP)
Major General Shalangwa (IGP)
Ogechi Ogu
Security Committee