A coalition of Civil Society Organisations,(CSOs) in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), has urged Nigerians to take a more active role in safeguarding the nation’s security by promptly reporting suspicious activities and criminal movements to security agencies.
This is as Nigeria battles rising cases of kidnapping, cult-related violence, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime.
The appeal was made during an anti-terrorism and anti-social vices awareness rally organised by the CSOs in partnership with the DSS in Benin City.
The coalition maintained that timely, credible intelligence from members of the public remains critical to preventing attacks, disrupting criminal networks, and strengthening security across the country, stressing that effective policing cannot succeed without citizens’ cooperation.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the rally, one of the participants, Dr. Bright Oniovokukor, said the fight against insecurity should not be left to the government and security agencies alone but must be embraced as a collective responsibility of all Nigerians.
According to him, the awareness campaign was designed to sensitise residents to the vital role they play in combating kidnapping, cultism, banditry, armed robbery, terrorism, and other security threats through vigilance and the timely sharing of credible information with relevant authorities.
“We are saying no to terrorism in all its forms.
“When we talk about terrorism, we are referring to cultism, kidnapping and every other social vice that threatens the peace and security of our communities,” Oniovokukor said.
According to him, criminals are not invisible, but often operate within communities.
“Kidnappers, terrorists and bandits are not ghosts. They are people who either live among us or move around our communities.
“When we notice strange behaviour, unusual movements or suspicious activities, we must report them to the appropriate security agencies.
“Our security agencies need intelligence to do their work effectively, and that intelligence comes from citizens. If you see something, say something. When you do, the government and security agencies can act.”