However, though a lot has been done by the joint security agencies in fighting this scourge, the seaming ability to effectively make the government onslaught on crime and conflict successful has abated for over a decade, which brings to my thoughts why the skill and know-how that churns out of an intelligence driven process has not been deployed for use in today’s Nigeria.
I recall the years of IGP Solomon Arase (RTD) where two strategic and intelligence arms of the Nigerian police force were birthed by him. This seasoned lawyer and retired police officer created the IGP-IRT and the STS which both served as professional arms of internal national security with 100% emphasis on intelligence and tactical ops. These twin creation of IGP Solomon Arase RTD, revolutionized security in Nigeria with enormous feats attributed to both teams accompanied with increased safety and appreciations from Nigerians of all walk of life. Like the good saying goes, a good feat outlives the originator. As evident in this case of Mr. Arase who after his retirement, has seen these twin creations
Recent happenings classified by an upsurge in crime and near total conflicts in some regions in Nigeria are partly fuelled by dwindling economy, rising unemployment, porous borders and the not talked about delicate issue of massive population increase. These factors sadly have turned out a curse with the level of insecurity thawing through the very fabric of the Nigerian society with Nigerians fearing daily for the worst.
Which brings me to this inevitable opinion why the services of an intelligence expert and tactical ops Guru has still not beensought through service in today’s government, in other to mitigate and stop the rising insecurity plaquing Nigeria. I am optimistic, despite being retired from the Nigerian Police Force and today an elder statesman of enviable pedigree and stainless repute, Mr. Solomon Arase should be sought after in other to harness the needed prowess, skill and experience towards deploying an intelligence driven holistic approach and ending the insecurity or at least reducing its impact to a minimal levelin Nigeria.
Nothing would do the ruling APC good and uplift the collective safety and trust of the Nigerian people, other than seeking the path of reason and engaging the distinguished services of this highly intelligence driven super-cop, in other to change the security fortunes of the country. Hopefully, the Federal Government will hearken and seek his attention and service.
Engr. Paul Arabome
Writes in from Canada