Weak community policing, proliferation of weapons behind escalating crimes Augustine, NSCDC Oyo Commander —Augustine, NSCDC Oyo Commandant

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State, Commandant Padonu Augustine, speaks with OLUWATOYIN MALIK and IMOLEAYO OYEDEYI on the recent wave of attacks, both in the South-West and other parts of the country, among other issues.

IN the past few days, the South-West has witnessed its share of the worrisome security challenges afflicting the country. What do you make of the rising trend?

The resurgence of criminality in the South-West is complex and it is a multifaceted issue that cannot be attributed to a single cause. However, some possible factors may have contributed to this new wave of criminality, one of which is high unemployment. The high rate of unemployment, particularly among the youth, has been a major contributing factor to the rise in criminality in the South-West. With limited job opportunities, many individuals are forced to engage in criminal activities as a means of survival.

Secondly, we have the get-rich-quick syndrome. The rising greed for money among the youths has been another serious problem leading to criminal activities such as “yahoo-yahoo”, money ritual, etc. There is also poverty, which is another significant factor that drives individuals towards criminality. The lack of access to basic necessities and the struggle to meet daily needs can lead people to resort to criminal activities as a way to obtain resources.

In addition, weak community policing has been a factor. The lack of effective community policing mechanisms has contributed to the rise in criminality. The absence of strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies and communities has hindered the flow of information and cooperation, making it difficult to prevent and address criminal activities. This is coupled with uncontrolled access to firearms. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the South-West region has facilitated the commission of crimes. The easy availability of firearms has emboldened criminals and made it easier for them to carry out their activities.

Then the negative portrayal of crime in the media, particularly on social media, can has a significant impact on the perception and attitudes towards criminal behavior. The glorification of criminal activities and the portrayal of criminals as heroes can influence individuals to engage in similar behaviors.

Also, the prevalence of drug abuse and substance misuse in the South-West region has been linked to an increase in criminal behaviour. The use of drugs and substances can impair judgment and decision-making, leading individuals to engage in risky and illegal activities. The breakdown of family structures and the lack of parental guidance have also contributed to the rise in criminality among the youth. The absence of strong family support systems can leave individuals vulnerable to negative influences and involvement in criminal activities.

But how has your security outfit reacted to the deteriorating challenges?

As the commandant of NSCDC, Oyo State Command, I have implemented several key moves to tackle the rising trend of criminality in the region, and one of them is to increase patrols and visibility. We have intensified patrols and increased the visibility of our personnel in crime-prone areas. This has been achieved by deploying more patrol teams and conducting regular patrols on foot, in vehicles, and on motorcycles.

Also, we have strengthened our community engagement efforts by partnering with local communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organisations. This collaboration has facilitated the exchange of information, improved intelligence gathering, and fostered a sense of collective responsibility for security. Similarly, we have adopted an intelligence-led policing approach, which involves gathering, analyzing, and utilising intelligence to prevent and disrupt criminal activities. This has enabled us to identify crime hotspots, target criminal networks, and proactively address potential threats.

We have also invested in capacity building and training for our personnel to enhance their skills and knowledge in crime prevention, investigation, and response. This includes training in firearms handling, tactical operations, intelligence gathering, and community policing. In the area of collaboration with other security agencies, we have fostered strong collaboration and synergy with other security agencies in the state, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army. This collaboration has facilitated joint operations, intelligence sharing, and coordinated efforts to combat criminality.

Also, we have embarked on public awareness and sensitisation campaigns to educate the populace about their role in crime prevention and the importance of reporting suspicious activities. This has been done through town hall meetings, community outreaches, and the use of mass media. We have also engaged with vulnerable groups, such as the youth, women, and the elderly, to address their security concerns and provide them with necessary support. This includes organising workshops, seminars, and empowerment programs to promote peace and discourage involvement in criminal activities.

It appears the attackers are more sophisticatedly armed than our security outfit, do you believe this?

It is not true that the current local security outfits cannot match the kidnappers and killers in terms of ammunition and weaponry. While it is undeniable that criminal elements may possess sophisticated weapons, the security outfits have taken proactive steps to ensure that its personnel are adequately equipped to combat these threats

What will be your advice to the South-West governors on equipping the NSCDC in their states to effectively address the current challenge?

Governments across the South-West can strengthen the NSCDC in their states to effectively confront the current security challenges in some ways, one of which is through increased funding and resource allocation. They should provide adequate funding and resources to the NSCDC to enable the procurement of modern equipment and technology. This includes armoured vehicles, patrol vans, communication gadgets, surveillance equipment, and forensic tools.

There should be also investment in comprehensive training and capacity-building programs for NSCDC personnel to enhance their skills and knowledge in crime prevention, investigation, intelligence gathering, and tactical operations. This includes training in firearms handling, counterterrorism techniques, and community policing.

In the aspect of technology and innovation, they should support the adoption of technology and innovation to enhance the NSCDC’s crime-fighting capabilities. This includes the use of surveillance cameras, drones, biometric identification systems, and data analytics to monitor crime hotspots, gather evidence, and identify suspects. They should also facilitate collaboration and information sharing between the NSCDC commands in neighbouring states to address cross-border crimes and ensure a coordinated response to security challenges.

The governors should also encourage the public to support and cooperate with the NSCDC by reporting suspicious activities, providing information, and adhering to security guidelines. This will create a conducive environment for the NSCDC to effectively carry out its duties.

In terms of collaboration with other security agencies, how well is your security outfit faring in this regard?

The NSCDC Oyo State Command collaborates effectively with the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that apprehended criminals face the wrath of the law and are not let off the hook through backdoor conspiracy. This has been done through joint operations and intelligence sharing. We conduct joint operations and share intelligence with the police to ensure a coordinated approach to crime prevention and suppression. This collaboration enables us to identify and target criminal networks, gather actionable intelligence, and conduct targeted operations to apprehend criminals.

We also maintain regular meetings and communication channels with the police and other security agencies to facilitate information exchange, discuss security concerns, and develop joint strategies to address emerging threats. This ensures that our agencies are on the same page and working towards common goals.