Why South-East Nigeria Must Rethink its Approach to Insecurity

Looking at the cycle of violence and insecurity that has plagued the Southeastern region of Nigeria, we are reminded of the wise words of Albert Einstein: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” 

For years, successive governments in the region have employed brutal force to address insecurity with scorching consequences.

From the Bakassi era under Orji Uzor Kalu to the present-day Agunechemba under Governor Charles Soludo, the modus operandi has remained the same: round up suspects, execute them without due process, and claim victory over crime.

But the results have always been clear: insecurity persists, and the region remains mired in violence and fear.

The problem with this approach is that it ignores the root causes of insecurity and instead focuses on symptoms. It also assumes that the ends justify the means that the killing of suspected criminals is an acceptable price to pay for a semblance of peace. 

But this is a false dichotomy. Peace and justice are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they are intertwined.

The use of brutal force has also led to widespread human rights abuses, with innocent people caught in the crossfire.

The killing of Eddie Okeke, also known as Eddie na Nogwu, the demolition of hotels, and the raids on students’ hostels are just a few examples of the many atrocities committed in the name of fighting crime in the region.

Moreover, this approach has created a culture of fear and impunity, where security agents feel empowered to act with reckless abandon, knowing that they will not be held accountable for their actions.

This has led to a breakdown in trust between the government and the people, with many citizens feeling that they are not protected by the law.

Under Governor Peter Obi, the crisis in Anambra continued, with dead bodies washing up on the Ezu River, allegedly murdered by SARS Awkuzu under the notorious James Nwafor.

The demolition of hotels was also used as a tactic to fight kidnapping, but this approach only led to more suffering for innocent people.

The formation of Ebubeagu under Governor Hope Uzodimma was met with similar criticism, as the group was accused of slaughtering people with reckless abandon, with the support of federal security agencies. 

The consequences of these actions have been devastating, with scores of people killed in cold blood, women violated, houses burnt, and families left with unanswered questions.

It is time for the Southeast to rethink its approach to insecurity. We need to move away from the brutal force mentality and towards a more nuanced and sustainable approach that prioritizes justice, due process, and the protection of human rights.

To achieve this, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of insecurity. Establishing a regional security framework that brings together security agencies, community leaders, and other stakeholders to share intelligence, coordinate efforts, and develop a unified approach to addressing insecurity is crucial. 

This framework should prioritize community policing, which has been proven to build trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

Addressing poverty and unemployment, which are major drivers of insecurity in the Southeast, is also essential. The government should invest in education, job creation, and social welfare programs that address the underlying causes of insecurity.

Furthermore, investing in education and skills development programmes that equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed is vital.

Building collaboration and partnerships between security agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders is also necessary. This can be achieved by establishing a human rights commission that investigates human rights abuses, provides support to victims, and holds perpetrators accountable.

Ultimately, addressing inequality and social injustice is critical to promoting peace and security in the Southeast. The government should prioritize social justice, equality, and fairness in all its policies and programs.