Former army officer Tony Nyiam is urging the Nigerian government to reassess its current security approach in light of recent violent incidents in Plateau State. Nyiam, who was involved in a failed coup attempt against General Ibrahim Babangida in 1990, believes that the government's strategy has failed to adequately protect vulnerable communities from recurring attacks.
The Need for a New Approach
Nyiam's call for a new approach stems from his concern that the current strategy is not effective in addressing the root causes of the violence. He suggests that residents in conflict-prone areas, such as Plateau and the Tiv regions, should be given proper training and officially sanctioned weapons to defend themselves against aggressors. This, he believes, would significantly enhance the ability of these communities to protect their people and property from violent threats.
Empowering Local Communities
Nyiam emphasizes that building local defense units with specialized training would be a crucial step in empowering these communities. "Communities must be empowered through training and proper arms to safeguard their territories," he says. This approach, he believes, would not only enhance security but also promote a sense of ownership and responsibility among local communities.
A Double Standard
Nyiam also highlights a troubling trend: heavily armed individuals from outside Nigeria entering the country with assault rifles like the AK-47 without facing legal consequences. Meanwhile, locals trying to secure their homes with basic, traditional weapons are being criminalized. Nyiam argues that this double standard reflects a deeply unjust system. "What's happening now is deeply disturbing — foreign nationals armed with AK-47s are walking freely across our borders, and no one detains them for illegal possession. Yet a Tiv farmer trying to guard his family with a local firearm is arrested," he says.
A War Without a Declaration
Nyiam also criticizes the government's approach to the ongoing conflict, noting that Nigeria has been engaged in a war for over a decade without a formal declaration of war. "We keep ignoring the fact that the war we are fighting is not a conventional war," he says. Nyiam believes that the government needs to acknowledge the reality of the situation and adapt its strategy accordingly. This, he suggests, would involve a more nuanced and multi-faceted approach that takes into account the complex nature of the conflict.
A Call to Action
Nyiam's comments serve as a call to action for the Nigerian government to rethink its security strategy and prioritize the protection of vulnerable communities. By empowering local communities and addressing the double standard in the application of the law, the government can take a crucial step towards restoring peace and security in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of insecurity, Nyiam's suggestions offer a valuable perspective on how to move forward.
The Way Forward
The Nigerian government must take a more proactive and inclusive approach to addressing the security challenges facing the country. This would involve engaging with local communities, empowering them to take ownership of their security, and addressing the root causes of the violence. By doing so, the government can build trust and confidence with local communities, and work towards creating a more secure and stable environment for all Nigerians. Ultimately, the security of Nigeria depends on the security of its citizens, and it is the government's responsibility to ensure that all citizens are protected and empowered to defend themselves.
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