Civil Society Coalition Urges Stronger Measures Against Terrorism, Banditry

Aina Obasanjo 

A coalition of civil society organisations, youth groups and community leaders on Tuesday staged a peaceful rally in Abuja, calling for urgent measures to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and urging citizens to unite against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

The demonstrators, who marched under the banner “Nigerians Unite Against Insecurity”, described insecurity as a national crisis affecting all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.

Bearing placards with messages such as “No Room for Terror” and “Pastors, Imams and opinion moulders should speak up against terrorism,” the protesters urged governments at all levels to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property.

Addressing journalists during the rally, activist, Comrade Isah Abubakar, lamented the growing climate of fear across the country, saying many Nigerians could no longer travel freely or sleep peacefully because of the activities of kidnappers, terrorists and bandits.

He stressed that insecurity does not discriminate along political, ethnic or religious lines and called for improved funding for security agencies. He also advocated broad public consultations on the proposed establishment of state police to prevent potential abuse by political actors.

Another activist, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, said insecurity should be treated as a collective national challenge rather than a partisan issue. He urged political leaders, former presidents, traditional rulers and religious leaders to speak with one voice in support of efforts to restore peace and security.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of the military, police, Department of State Services and other security agencies, the protesters maintained that stronger collaboration and more coordinated action were needed to tackle the crisis effectively.

The organisers called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to strengthen grassroots security initiatives and ensure public officials remain responsive to security concerns within their communities. They further emphasised that any move towards state policing must be backed by adequate funding, proper training and effective oversight.

The rally, which began at the Ministry of Women Affairs and ended at the National Assembly gate, concluded with a renewed appeal for national unity and decisive government action to curb terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.