The plan for Nigeria’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to lead a national prayer session to address Nigeria’s numerous challenges is ridiculous!
Development Diaries reports that the initiative, which is coordinated with Christian and Muslim religious leaders, seeks divine intervention for the country’s social, economic, and security issues.
The question now is, given the country’s numerous challenges, especially those of insecurity, is this the expected action?
This development has gotten a lot of Nigerians asking questions.
A whole National security adviser NSA, left his job of gathering intelligence and decide to start doing night vigil?
Wahahi there’s problem. pic.twitter.com/NnbK4QqI1p
— Ifedapsi🥴 (@Ifedapsi) November 4, 2024
Given the gravity of Nigeria’s security landscape, Ribadu’s focus should centre on tangible and actionable security policies.
The nation has grappled with various forms of security challenges for years, including terrorism by groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The persistent surgency challenges in the northeast have left thousands dead and millions displaced, disrupting lives and destabilising the region.
Interfaith prayer gatherings may bring people together and give them hope, but they cannot take the place of the complete, coordinated action that is needed to stop these well-planned threats.
Prioritising strategic security measures, including intelligence-led operations and robust counter-terrorism frameworks, should remain paramount.
Instances of widespread banditry and kidnappings have also highlighted the urgent need for security strategies that go beyond spiritual appeals.
States in the northwest and north-central regions have become notorious for frequent attacks on communities, resulting in loss of life, destruction of property, and the displacement of thousands.
The attackers, often heavily armed and strategically positioned, pose a challenge that requires in-depth planning, technological investment, and collaboration across security agencies.
While moral and spiritual support from faith leaders may help the public be more resilient, the NSA’s ability to respond to these complex threats in a strategic and systematic way is what will keep citizens safe.
Recall President Bola Tinubu, during his campaign for office, promised to create an enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive in the country.
Development Diaries calls on the NSA to, in fulfilling this commitment, leverage intelligence assets to proactively prevent terrorist activities.
Comprehensive measures, such as heightened surveillance, community engagement, and cross-border cooperation to curtail arms smuggling, would reinforce the country’s defence mechanisms far more effectively than national prayer initiatives.
Photo source: Nuhu Ribadu
