Insecurity: Group proposes technology-driven response

The Federal Government has been advised to tackle persistent security challenges in parts of the country with a swift, coordinated and technology-driven response.

In a statement by the president and secretary of ‘Ibolo Consumers Advocacy of Nigeria’, Tajudeen Iwalola and Shehu Olanrewaju, proposed a comprehensive national strategy that will focus on upgrading critical infrastructure, deploying modern aerial surveillance, enforcing digital vehicle tracking, and youth employment as part of Nigeria’s security architecture.

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The group said that kidnapping had remained a threat to lives, economic stability, and unity of the nation, despite the efforts of the federal government, and added that measures, such as upgrading of key highways, advanced surveillance and patrol, vehicle and digital tracking and youth empowerment should be considered to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

“We recommend urgent upgrading of major roads into modern express highways with advanced security features. Roads prioritised for this include: Ilorin – Lokoja – Abuja, Ilorin – Jebba – Tegina – Kaduna, Jebba – Mokwa – Bida – Minna – Abuja, Lokoja – Okene – Kabba – Ilorin, Abuja – Minna – Mokwa – Jebba – Ilorin, Ibadan – Ogbomoso – Ilorin, Abeokuta – Sagamu – Lagos, Akure – Ado-Ekiti – Ikare – Kabba, Ijebu Ode – Ore – Ondo – Akure, Osogbo – Ilesa – Akure, Ibadan– Iwo – Osogbo, Lagos – Badagry – Seme border, Oyo – Ogbomoso – Ilorin, Ondo – Ifon – Ibilo – Okene, Ibadan – Abeokuta – Idiroko.”

The advocacy group also said that the expressways should have multi-lane carriageways, continuous CCTV surveillance, strategically positioned emergency response units, and clear bush clearance of at least 30 meters on both sides, for better visibility and to reduce ambush risks to ensure security in Nigeria.

“This clearance work will provide vital employment for Nigerian youth under a Presidential Youth Security Employment Scheme,” the statement said.

The group also said that all state governments should acquire, at least, one surveillance helicopter equipped with thermal imaging and night-vision capabilities.

“These helicopters, in coordination with drone patrols, will enable continuous aerial monitoring of high-risk corridors and borders. Drones with GPS and thermal sensors will supplement this with 24/7 surveillance in difficult terrains and forested areas,” it added.

The group urged President Bola Tinubu to treat kidnapping as a national emergency that requires urgent and sustained action, saying that safety of citizens traveling between the nation’s state capitals and commercial hubs—such as Ilorin, Lokoja, Abuja, Minna, Kaduna, Ibadan, and others—is paramount for Nigeria’s social and economic prosperity.

“All commercial vehicles must be mandated to install tamper-proof GPS trackers, enabling real-time location monitoring, panic alert functions, and remote engine shutdown when necessary. Vehicle plate recognition cameras along highways will assist in identifying stolen or suspicious vehicles.

“We advocate for the creation of a National Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Force (NAKTF) integrating Police, DSS, and NSCDC units, equipped with modern communication devices, rapid-response vehicles, and aerial support based in strategic locations including Ilorin, Minna, Ibadan, Lokoja, and Kaduna.

“Digital tools such as mobile phone location tracking, telecom data cooperation, and SIM registration enforcement should be enhanced to disrupt criminal communication and coordination swiftly.

“The proposed Presidential Youth Security Employment Scheme will engage young Nigerians in road clearance, surveillance operations, vehicle tracker installations, and emergency response services. This initiative will not only strengthen security but also provide critical employment opportunities,” the statement added.

While commending President Tinubu for his leadership, the group said it is committed to supporting his administration in restoring peace and security in Nigeria.

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