Security: How Nigeria Can Address Travel Fears

Nigeria’s response to recent security warnings leaves much to be desired.

Development Diaries reports that the United States recently issued travel advice to its nationals in Nigeria, which the federal government has denounced, claiming that it might have a negative economic impact and cause unnecessary alarm.

Even though the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has assured Nigerians of the country’s safety and said such travel advisories achieved nothing ‘other than needless panic’, the government needs to take such alerts with all seriousness.

Nigeria faces a multitude of security threats, including terrorism, communal conflicts, and banditry.

Many parts of the country are still considered killing fields as bandits, terrorists, gunmen, armed herders, criminals, and rebels wreak horror and mayhem on defenseless citizens, killing and kidnapping for ransom and rituals.

Although there have not been any recent terror bombs or attacks in the country’s big cities, terrorists and bandits are still active in rural regions, killing a large number of people and kidnapping a large number of others.

In a security report, Nigeria Mourns noted that banditry continues to be the leading cause of death, with 29.27 percent of violent deaths nationwide (360 deaths) between January and March 2023.

The report also noted a rise in extrajudicial killings and herdsmen-related killings, which constitute about 10.08 percent and 13.65 percent respectively, with at least 124 and 168 deaths each.

While the federal government has disclosed recent measures and successes in securing Nigeria, real threats remain. One critical aspect of addressing these challenges is to take security threat warnings seriously rather than ignore them.

The ability of the government to respond swiftly and effectively to these security threats is essential for the well-being of its citizens and the stability of the country.

To address these challenges and take security warnings seriously, the Nigerian government can consider enhancing coordination among security and intelligence agencies by establishing clear communication channels, sharing information in real-time, and conducting joint training exercises.

The allocation of adequate resources to intelligence agencies for the gathering, analysis, and dissemination of threat information is essential. This includes investing in technology and human resources to enhance their capabilities.

Development Diaries urges the federal government to give up its innate animosity towards travel warnings from other countries and implement clear protocols for responding to security threat warnings for the safety of all.

Photo source: Min of Info

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