SECURITY: EVERY MAN’S BUSINESS

On Wednesday the 28th of June 2023 the Civil Rights Council with support from Social Development Integrated Center (Social Action) and Rosa Luxemburg Foundation held a one day Interactive session with security Agencies and other Stakeholders at Aldgate Hotel Abacha Road Port Harcourt. The program was geared towards emphasizing and integrating the human rights component by security agencies in the course of delivering security services in society. With the hope that security agencies see the need to operate within the bounds of the law in the course of their operations and ensure that constitutionally and statutorily guaranteed rights are duly observed.

Present as panellists and critical stakeholders in the matter of security were the Nigerian Police represented by SP Ismailia Yahaya, Mrs Celestina Okorie for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Mrs Esther Ozuronda for National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Others were ASC Ijabor for Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Mr Tamuno Young representing National Orientation Agency and Comrd. Sebastien Kplap the Coordinator, Civil Rights Council Rivers State and other active citizens and Civil Society Organisations.

Group photograph of participants.

As security agents working in different organizations with different focuses but one purpose of eliminating crime, they narrated their office and field experiences in the course of discharging their duties while stating some of their operational guidelines which elicited reactions from the participants. The rift between citizens and security agencies in this part of the globe has always been ongoing. While most citizens are of the opinion that security agencies constantly abuse human rights and violate them while carrying out their duties, the security agents pointed out that sometimes employing force is one way of getting the truth. However, that is not the only way of handling situations as there have been other professional conduct that both citizens and security agencies cooperated.

Even though it was agreed that some of their operational guidelines are inconsistent with extant state legislations on human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria, the security agencies also pointed out the belligerent and antagonistic attitude of citizens when they encounter the police. “You must understand that we are working for you. We are also human and trust me, if security agents go to sleep, none of us will have a peaceful sleep in our home” said Mrs Celestina Okorie of the EFCC. SP Ismailia Yahaya of the Nigerian Police also buttressed the fact that security agents most times work with intelligence reports and therefore cases of abuse and misconduct should be reported. “If any police officer demands a bribe, please ask for a receipt.” According to him, such requests will hold them accountable and serve as evidence for disciplining such corrupt officers.

                                         Security agents/panellists at the event.

Participants and security agencies who attended were very appreciative of the platform as it created an atmosphere for insight deliberations, suggestions, learning, and question and answers between the citizens and security agencies.

At the end of the Interactive session, the participants suggestions and opinions were put into a communique that demanded the following:

• That citizens should aid security agencies by assisting with vital information that will aid security operations and comport themselves in such a way to avoid suspicion and undue harassment.
• That Criminal and Civil components of cases are often interwoven and can only be separated in the cause investigation by experts.
• EFCC was commended for their display of professionalism and in most cases, they handled and urged to improve on that standard.
• It was agreed that funding, discipline, political will, adequate remuneration and logistics are critical for the operations of security agencies and that advocacy should be intensified for government to respond to these issues.
• Citizens are advised to cooperate in a stop-and-search operation as that is often a result of intelligence information to security agencies.
• That the CRC should extend human rights training to more security institutions across the country, especially to low-cadre personnel of security institutions
• That human rights desk should be established across security institutions for effective Interaction between security agencies and Civil Society Organizations and to timely report erring personnel and human rights infractions.
• That the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency should intensify the fight against the intake of hard drugs to prevent crime and human rights abuses.

Giving the closing remarks and vote of thanks, the Acting ED of Social Action appreciated the swift response by security agents in attending to this call and sharing their knowledge.  She assured them CRC looks forward to future collaboration. “Thank you and we are happy the discussion was very engaging and fruitful” she added.

Introduction:

Behavioural change within the Nigerian Police Force is not only crucial for improving service delivery but also for rebuilding public trust and promoting a professional and accountable law enforcement agency. The force can thus create a positive and respectful working environment, instil a culture of integrity, and enhance its effectiveness in serving and protecting the citizens of Nigeria.

Recognizing the Power of Behavioural Change:

Behavioural change involves modifying the attitudes, beliefs, and actions of individuals. In the context of the Nigerian Police, it entails transforming the mindset and conduct of police officers to align with principles of professionalism, respect for human rights, and ethical conduct.

This is potentially one way to revolutionize the Nigerian Police Force and redefine its relationship with the communities it serves. By acknowledging this potential, the force can create a positive and respectful working environment that fosters trust, professionalism, and accountability.

The transformative potential of behavioural change within the Nigerian Police:

Improved Communication Skills: Effective communication lies at the heart of successful policing. Behavioural change programs can focus on enhancing officers’ communication skills, enabling them to engage with individuals and communities in a more empathetic and respectful manner. Through active listening, clear and concise language, and the ability to de-escalate tense situations, officers can build rapport, diffuse conflicts, and gain the cooperation and trust of the public.

Enhanced Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity: The programs can emphasize the development of empathy and cultural sensitivity among police officers. By understanding and appreciating the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences of the communities they serve, officers can demonstrate greater empathy, avoid biases, and ensure fair treatment for all individuals. This shift in perspective can foster positive interactions, reduce tensions, and promote inclusivity within the Nigerian Police.

Ethical Decision-Making: Ethical conduct is a cornerstone of effective law enforcement. Behavioural change programs can address the ethical challenges officers face on a daily basis and provide them with the tools to make sound decisions that prioritize justice, fairness, and human rights. By incorporating case studies, ethical dilemmas, and guided discussions, officers can develop a strong moral compass, enabling them to navigate complex situations while upholding the highest standards of integrity.

Professionalism and Accountability: A well-designed program can instil a culture of professionalism and accountability within the Nigerian Police Force. Officers can be encouraged to take pride in their work, uphold ethical standards, and display a commitment to continuous improvement. By fostering a sense of responsibility for their actions and the impact they have on individuals and communities, officers can become proactive agents of change, continuously striving to deliver better service and maintain public trust.

Building Positive Relationships: Behavioural change programs can emphasize the importance of building positive relationships between the police and the communities they serve. Officers can be encouraged to actively engage with community members, listen to their concerns, and collaborate on solutions to address local issues. By working together, officers and citizens can establish a sense of partnership, creating safer neighbourhoods and a more harmonious society.

How do we archive this?

A training program and curriculum for behavioural change are essential for the Nigerian Police to address longstanding issues and promote positive transformation within the force. The Nigerian Police have faced criticism and public outcry over incidents of corruption, misconduct, excessive use of force, and human rights abuses. To regain public trust and confidence, it is imperative to implement a comprehensive training program that focuses on behavioural change. This program should aim to instil principles of integrity, ethics, and respect for human rights among officers. By providing adequate training, officers can learn effective communication, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques, reducing instances of unnecessary force and violence. Furthermore, the curriculum should address cultural sensitivity, and community policing, and promote empathy to bridge the gap between law enforcement and citizens. A well-structured training program can lay the foundation for a more accountable, transparent, and professional police force, fostering a safer and more secure environment for all Nigerians.

In conclusion, recognizing the power of behavioural change within the Nigerian Police Force is essential for its transformation and effective service delivery. By focusing on areas such as improved communication skills, empathy, cultural sensitivity, ethical decision-making, professionalism, and building positive relationships, the force can undergo a profound shift in its approach to law enforcement. These programs have the potential to create a police force that is responsive, accountable, and respectful of human rights, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure Nigeria.

Car procession at the Lekki Toll Gate marking the one year anniversary of the end-sars protest

The bottled-up anger of many youths against the Nigerian Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad, popularly known as SARS, was a major driver of a series of protests that rocked many major cities in Nigeria in late 2020. The #EndSaes protest that materialized into a movement, even though it never had a central leadership, had thousands of youths in different parts of the country come out to lend their voice against police brutality and the call for the scrapping of the special unit. The youth also called for the reform of the police and an improvement of the remuneration and working condition of officers.

Read More

Democracy and human rights are recognized as inextricably connected, but the Muhammadu Buhari-led government has always de-emphasized that link. The #EndSars protest and the atrocious breaches of human rights before, during, and after the period of the protests across the country provides sobering evidence that this government is increasingly fueling human rights violations. 

Read More

In a frantic effort by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to increase Nigeria’s debt profile, he has again, requested from the National Assembly, the approval of another $4 billion and EUR 710 million loan. The request was contained in a letter read by Senate President Ahmad Lawan on the Senate floor Tuesday 14th September 2021. It could be recalled that this request is coming shortly after the National Assembly approved $6.18 billion foreign loans.

Read More

By Lukas Nwachukwu

The Nigerian government suspends indefinitely the operations of the micro blogging site Twitter in Nigeria on 4^th June, 2021. In an announcement made public by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, stating “safety concerns”. This ban is coming few days after twitter deleted a post made by President Muhammadu Buhari, which violated “abusive behavior” policy of Twitter, and further suspended his account for 12 hours.

The Twitter ban is coming amid public debate on continuous attempt by the government to censor social media. It could be recalled that Anti-Social Media Bill was introduced by the 9^th National Assembly in November 2019 to criminalize the use of the social media in peddling false or malicious information. It was seen by many as a stealthy move to restrict the civic space and was greeted by vigorous pushback by the masses and a robust response by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the country.

The Twitter ban is a surreptitious method used by the government to suppress the masses, it is an attack on democratic tenet that provides for freedom of expression and an attack on human rights and independent media. By this decision, this government is treading a dangerous path with unimaginable consequences. This action undermines the foundational principles of democratic governance and the masses’ right to freedom of expression.

Social media gives voice to voiceless Nigerians, democratizing opinions and criticisms about how government should be run, giving marginalized groups a voice to talk about their plights, which obviously the government is not comfortable with. The attempt to gag the masses and muzzle free expression has potentially devastating implication for democracy and the civic space. With a staggering 33% unemployment rate in the country, many young people eke a living from social media platforms like twitter, as influencers, ad and promotion marketers etc. This ban is a deliberate and malicious decision to makes it difficult for Nigerians, both young and old to empower themselves through leveraging on the economic benefits of a platform like Twitter.

We strongly condemn the Twitter ban and the attempt by the Muhammadu Buhari-led government to control social media and muzzle Nigerians from freely expressing their opinions. Therefore, the government should reverse this outrageous and dictatorial decision immediately, to restore the vibrant and diverse space Twitter provides.  Anything short of this, will further define this government as a repressive and dictatorial regime with the sole purpose to make life difficult for Nigerians.

By Lukas Nwachukwu

With the ubiquitous wave of violence across the country and emerging threats of disintegration, it is crystal clear that Nigeria’s insecurity challenges are getting worse by the day. In recent weeks, there have been countless killings, kidnappings, assassination, destruction of government facilities. The seeming government’s silence in the mix of all this is stirring up bouts of savage inter-ethnic and inter-regional bloodletting in their bid to protect themselves, as it appears the government has failed to do the barest minimum of protecting lives and properties.

Over few weeks, in crude and savage attacks, Benue, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi, Borno have all recorded varying degrees of killings of children, women and men. Bandit, kidnappers, armed groups are killing, maiming, and terrorizing communities throughout different parts of the country with no apparent fear of being caught and held to account. Instead the military are going from house to house in Gestapo style arresting young men. If only the security forces can go after killer bandits and herdsmen that killed dozens in Benue and Ebonyi states and abducted 200 Islamic students, perhaps, the nation would have experienced peace and stability.

According to Amnesty International report in 2020, both the armed group Boko Haram and Nigerian security forces continued to commit serious crimes in the north-east, including war crimes and likely crimes against humanity. Boko Haram killed hundreds of civilians and carried out abductions which targeted women and girls. Amnesty International also reported that in response, government forces carried out indiscriminate attacks against villages and continued to detain thousands in inhumane conditions. In the north-western and north-central regions, over 1,500 people died in inter-communal violence and bandit attacks, while in the last three months, the country has been grappling with the continuous attacks of unknown gunmen that have left trails of destruction of lives and properties.

The country is already dealing with a staggering humanitarian catastrophe with many Nigerians displaced in the North-East and Middle belt According to a report done in April 2021, by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, following  series of attacks by insurgents in north-east Nigeria’s restive Borno State, up to 65,000 Nigerians are displaced. And it is still unfolding with the recent killings in Ebonyi-Benue border that left over 30 persons dead and hundreds displaced.  This does not go without stating the economic woes, and food crisis that may arise from violence across the country. It is heartbreaking that the lives of many Nigerians are at risk due to government’s negligence.

It is equally sad to note the  large scale destruction of properties and wanton killings by unknown gunmen in the south-eastern part of the country. Several media reports have put the number of deaths recorded in the past week at 150, this is disheartening.. This avoidable bloodbath would deepen the distrust between the masses and the government and risk further alienation between the regions affected as they believe they are ethnically profiled, a sentiment that fans the embers and support for secession.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s government represents 6 years of lackluster governance so far, his record has been weak and disappointing on the fight to address insecurity. But the nation needs the President to show leadership, rise to challenges particurly at a time like this when it seems like the nation is tilting towards a collapse. The continued silence would incentivize this violence to grow to a grand and uncontrollable scale.

We condemn the President’s silence and apparent disengagement with the insecurity challenges that Nigerians are facing. We call on the Muhammadu Buhari-led government to prioritize the lives of every Nigerian, rather than trying to sound politically correct and threatening a certain region with war, like his tweet on the 1^st of June, 2021 which reads “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand”. He should show true leadership that will embody equity and justice that appeal to national cogitation and not ethnic sentiments. Furthermore, he should protect the life of every Nigerian as he swore to when he took the oath of office. The country’s deep socio-political fault lines cannot be resolved through the barrel of guns. Peace cannot be gotten through force. At a time when voices of concern citizens must be listened to, orchestrating a crusade of threat and use of force would only deepen the problem.