Nigeria’s battle against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping requires a united, coordinated and intelligence-driven approach by all levels of government, according to the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe.
Speaking on the nation’s security challenges at a media forum in Asaba, Oghenesivbe warned against the politicisation of insecurity, stressing that such actions only embolden criminal elements and weaken efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability across the country.
He noted that terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and its affiliates in the North-East, as well as armed bandit networks operating in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions, have evolved into sophisticated criminal enterprises sustained by kidnapping for ransom, arms trafficking and the exploitation of ungoverned spaces.
According to him, the payment of ransoms, often made under intense pressure, has inadvertently strengthened these groups by providing resources for weapons procurement, recruitment and expansion of their operations.
Oghenesivbe identified poverty, unemployment, weak governance, porous borders, corruption and the proliferation of small arms as major drivers of insecurity. He added that youth unemployment, communal conflicts, farmer-herder clashes, poor intelligence coordination and delays in prosecuting suspects have further compounded the problem.
He observed that vast forests and remote communities across several states have become safe havens for criminal gangs, enabling them to regroup, launch attacks and evade security agencies.
To effectively tackle the menace, he called on the Federal Government to intensify intelligence gathering, deploy modern surveillance technology, strengthen border security and deepen collaboration among security agencies. He also advocated intelligence-led operations targeting the financiers, logistics providers and collaborators of criminal groups.
While emphasizing the importance of military operations, Oghenesivbe maintained that security challenges cannot be solved through force alone. He urged governments at all levels to invest heavily in education, agriculture, skills acquisition and youth empowerment programmes to reduce the vulnerability of young people to criminal recruitment.
He noted that state governments are increasingly embracing community-based security initiatives through local intelligence networks, vigilante partnerships and the deployment of technology such as drones and advanced communication systems.
Commending the administration of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, Oghenesivbe said the state had strengthened collaboration with security agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering and implemented youth empowerment and community development programmes that have contributed significantly to peace and stability.
He hinted that targeted operations against kidnappers, armed robbers and cult groups had yielded positive security outcomes in several communities across the state.
Continuing, the Delta Bureau Chief cautioned that , “Evolving security threats require constant innovation and vigilance and increased surveillance of highways, forests, riverine communities and interstate routes, supported by technology-driven monitoring systems and real-time intelligence platforms.”
He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilante groups and formal security agencies, noting that grassroots intelligence remains one of the most effective tools in combating crime.
Oghenesivbe further advocated expanded youth engagement initiatives, robust anti-drug campaigns and greater economic opportunities as part of a holistic strategy to address the root causes of insecurity.
He concluded that defeating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping demands unwavering commitment, decisive leadership and sustained cooperation among all stakeholders.
“Security must remain a shared responsibility that transcends political, ethnic and religious divides. Nigeria can overcome these challenges through unity, strong leadership and coordinated action,” he said.
Sam Erhunmwunsee, Radio Nigeria Asaba
