The House of Representatives has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on unemployment, which it said is the main driver of insecurity in the country.
This was part of 19 recommendations the leadership of the lower legislative chamber submitted to the President on Tuesday on steps to take to address the country’s security challenges.
The House of Representatives had in April set up a special ad hoc committee to organise a national security summit to generate ideas towards tackling insecurity across the country.
The report of the summit was debated and approved by the lawmakers during plenary session on Tuesday.
The legislators also asked the Intelligence Agencies to work with the National Security Adviser and the Chief of Defence Staff and initiate “a screening and vetting program of all frontline officers of the Nigerian military to fish out moles and double-agents who have so far compromised most efforts at combating insecurity and win the war against insurgents and terrorists.”
They green chamber also asked the Inspector General of Police to enhanced training for the Police Mobile Unit to improve their capacity to deal with insecurity.
“A special team of 40,000 Police Mobile Unite officers should undergo this special training. 1,000 should then be deployed to every state for immediate operations. North East, South West, South East can receive the officers remaining out of the 40,000.”
Other recommendations include: “Create a new team under the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to train and work with the guards of Nigeria’s forest. This unit will collaborate with the current Forest Guards who will remain under the control of States.
“Give immediate consideration to the use of Private Defence Contractors for targeted security operations to combat insurgency and terrorism especially.
” Deploy Early Warning Systems nationwide including installation of CCTV cameras and other surveillance, satellite and electronic equipment along major highways, public places, and major cities and our borders.
” Encourage and resource the National Orientation Agency and the Federal Ministry of Information to begin a structured strategic Communication and orientation campaign using all available media channels and platforms to promote peaceful coexistence and national unity.
“Support for the creation of Local Security Committees in all 774 Local Government Areas. This panel should include Traditional Rulers, Religious institutions, and local opinion leaders. This should be managed by the NPF as part of its Community Policing mandate.
“Strengthening the judicial and law enforcement administration through a Digitisation initiative for the judiciary. This will speed up the administration of Justice and reduce corruption. Swift administration of justice will help reduce causes of disaffection which feeds into insecurity.”
