Stakeholders Warn: Nigeria's Security Policies Fail Citizens, Worsen Rights Abuses

… Olanipekun, Ali, Atagura, Adesina Urge for People-Focused Reforms, Constitutional Redesign Nigeria's national security approaches are ...

… Olanipekun, Ali, Atagura, Adesina Urge for People-Focused Reforms, Constitutional Redesign

Nigeria's national security approaches are facing sharp examination by respected legal experts, security specialists, and community leaders, who argue that the government's anti-terrorism and law enforcement methods are now generating more victims instead of safeguarding the public.

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This was the shared opinion during the Gavel International Annual Lecture and Awards 2025, where speakers such as Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN), Major General (Dr) James Alilu Atagura (rtd), and Pastor Dele Adesina (SAN) advocated for a significant change in Nigeria's security strategy, emphasizing that genuine national safety should be founded on justice, human rights, and effective governance.

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Establishing the tone for the discussion, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), represented by Mr. Raymond Kamibel, referred to the event as a renewal of the country's ethical duty to protect the rights and honor of its most defenseless people.

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"Today, our unity stems from this belief and a common resolve to bring it to life within our communities during an era marked by increasing national instability, which has significant effects on the human rights of individuals, especially those in vulnerable groups," he said in his opening remarks.

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Olanipekun praised attendees for their dedication to justice and compassion, calling the event "more than just a conference" and instead "a venue for contemplation, teamwork, and initiative." He pointed out that as Nigeria faces issues such as decreasing public involvement, violence based on gender, disparity, environmental unfairness, and problems related to digital rights, the voice of morality should remain active.

He stated, 'The fight for human rights is not just a theoretical concept.' It is experienced daily through the bravery of those who expose wrongdoing, the determination of advocates, the kindness of helpers, and the ethical stance of organizations that prioritize justice rather than ease.'

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He encouraged attendees to take advantage of the opportunity to create connections among generations, between concepts and implementation, and between local conditions and worldwide goals. "Let us listen carefully, discuss with respect, and come out with a clearer understanding of the part each of us must take in promoting human rights for everyone," he said, showing hope that the discussions would result in effective solutions and better collaborations for a more compassionate society.

Presenting the keynote speech titled, "The Effect of National Security Measures on Marginalized Groups: A Human Rights Viewpoint," Professor Yusuf Ali (SAN) cautioned that the country's anti-terrorism and policing strategies have moved far from constitutional protections, causing extensive human rights breaches and increasing public distrust.

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He stated that the poor, women, children, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) have consistently suffered as a result of a system meant to safeguard them.

"The truth is that numerous security protocols have transformed citizens into victims. We've established a system in which the individuals we are meant to safeguard are being forced to leave, held in custody, or stripped of their dignity under the pretense of national security," he stated.

Professor Ali argued that the core of national security should focus on the people. "Real security cannot be attained through force alone," he stated. "It involves safeguarding rights, promoting economic development, and enhancing democratic systems. When the government does not maintain the rule of law or fulfill fundamental needs, instability will remain, no matter how many weapons or soldiers are present."

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He referenced the severe humanitarian crises in the North-East and Middle Belt, where millions of displaced individuals reside in deplorable conditions, facing hunger, illness, and abuse.

He stated, "The lack of responsibility in security activities has led to a sense of immunity within certain military and police groups, weakening the public's trust in governmental bodies."

Professor Ali specifically criticized parts of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which permit extended detention without trial, calling these clauses both unconstitutional and in violation of international human rights standards that Nigeria has voluntarily committed to.

"Legislation aimed at combating terrorism should not themselves turn into instruments of fear," he warned.

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It is not possible to hold individuals indefinitely or suppress opposition under the pretext of safeguarding the nation. The Constitution was designed for both tranquil and challenging times.

He advocated for compulsory human rights training within the military and intelligence organizations, enhanced legal supervision of executive authority, and the involvement of impacted communities, specifically displaced persons, women, and young people, in the development of national security policies.

Security should never serve as a justification for unfairness," Ali concluded. "Once people stop believing in the state's fairness, the fight for national security has already been lost.

From a military standpoint, former Major General (Dr.) James Alilu Atagura highlighted corruption, poor governance, and the absence of a system for rewards and penalties as the main reasons behind Nigeria's ongoing instability.

He expressed sorrow that immunity has weakened the ethical standing of government bodies, encouraging lawlessness within the political elite and further afield.

Is it possible for someone to truly go to court and hope for an unbiased outcome?" he questioned. "We witness election misconduct, fake certificates, and corruption going unchecked. Governors serve eight years and disappear when the EFCC arrives, while their predecessors are still in court 15 years later. Without justice, society returns to a state of nature.

Atagura also criticized the government's ongoing use of the military for internal security, cautioning that the excessive presence of soldiers in civilian areas not only breaches constitutional limits but also increases unrest.

"The armed forces should not be stationed among the general population. When troops exceed their designated role, they cause additional issues," he cautioned.

He stated that insecurity is merely a sign of more profound societal decline. "Even if Boko Haram is defeated today, another group will emerge tomorrow since the underlying issues—poverty, joblessness, and the breakdown of public institutions—remain unresolved."

Entering the discussion, Pastor Dele Adesina (SAN) connected the country's ongoing security challenges to what he referred to as the "basic flaws in the 1999 Constitution."

He maintained that the document is fundamentally unified in nature and unsuitable for establishing a genuine federal system of governance. "How can governors serve as primary security officers if they do not have authority over law enforcement?" he asked.

Referring to Sections 214 and 215 of the Constitution, which limit governors' control over Police Commissioners, Adesina stated that no true federation maintains a centralized police system. "We have a system that centralizes power and leaves the states unable to safeguard their own citizens," he remarked, urging immediate constitutional changes to decentralize law enforcement and reinstate responsibility.

He called on political leaders to demonstrate bravery and transparency in transforming Nigeria's governance system, maintaining that security issues will continue as long as the structure is flawed.

Previously, Mr. Mustapha Adekunle Ogunsakin, the founder of Gavel International, stated that the annual lecture was created to highlight the deteriorating security situation and the government's constitutional responsibility to safeguard its people. He expressed concern that, even with repeated national disasters caused by insurgency, abductions, and community conflicts, political leaders have mostly shown apathy, prioritizing party agendas over national reconciliation.

Ogunsakin emphasized that insecurity stems not from religion or ethnicity, but from inadequate governance and leadership shortcomings. He urged all levels of government to reaffirm their commitment to justice, transparency, and serving the public.

The security of Nigerians should not be a privilege," he stated. "It is a constitutional commitment, and the quicker our leaders realize this, the sooner we can restore public trust and national cohesion.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).