By Angela Atabo
Stakeholders in the security sector have called for coordinated national action to curb the increasing attacks on security operatives across the country,
They made the call at the Grand Finale and National Security Dialogue of the Second Edition of the Campaign Against Killing of Security Personnel, held on Saturday in Abuja.
The stakeholders, drawn from the security agencies, civil society organisations and policy circle,expressed concern that the trend of killing security personnel posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s stability and the authority of the state.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Maiwada,said there was need for collective responsibility in protecting those charged with safeguarding the nation.
Maiwada,represented by ASC Folusho Adeogun, said the call was necessary as an attack on an officer was a calculated assault on state institutions,thereby eroding public trust and weakening law enforcement.
Maiwada said, “Security personnel across the country are increasingly becoming targets while carrying out lawful duties.
“They face dangers from smugglers, terrorists and organised criminal networks, especially in border areas and major trade corridors.”
He explained that reversing the trend would require intelligence-led operations, improved training, modern technology, better welfare for officers and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
Maiwada added that there was also need for active community participation.
“When security personnel are seen as partners within communities, intelligence sharing improves and potential threats are detected early,”he said.
Also speaking, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, said the campaign underscored the urgent need for unity and decisive action.
Onoja cautioned that continued attacks on security operatives would only strengthen criminal networks involved in illegal mining, banditry and arms trafficking.
“An attack on a security operative is an attack on Nigeria itself.
“These officers are fathers, mothers, sons and daughters who have chosen national service over personal safety,” Onoja said.
He explained that communities play critical roles in security an called for effective cooperation with law enforcement to deprive criminals of safe havens.
“When communities work with security agencies, criminals lose their hiding places and violence loses its oxygen,” he said.
The Convener of the Campaign, Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi, said the second edition of the initiative built on earlier efforts to confront the persistent targeting of security personnel nationwide.
Oluwapelumi stated that the campaign, which began with engagements in Lagos and Ogun states, was structured to move beyond advocacy towards sustained dialogue and policy-driven solutions.
She concluded that the safety of security operatives must be treated as a national priority.
She stated that any nation that failed to protect those who protect it undermined its own peace, security and unity.(NAN)
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
