Pulse.ng : Northern Youth Council Calls for Action Amidst Rising Insecurity in Northern Nigeria

By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman

The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria has expresses deep concern regarding insecurity plaguing the Northern region and the apparent underperformance of the Minister of Defence and the entire security leadership.

In a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Kaduna, the National President of the NYCN, Isah Abubakar, lamented that the increasing frequency of violent attacks, abductions, and communal clashes underscored a grave failure in national security apparatus, where immediate action is necessary to address the escalating crisis.

Abubakar also lamented that in spite the allocation of substantial resources and the establishment of numerous security initiatives aimed at combating terrorism and banditry, the situation in Northern Nigeria continued to deteriorate.

"Communities are living in fear, and countless lives have been lost while the rate of displacement and suffering among civilians has reached alarming levels".

He, however, acknowledged the complexities of the security challenges facing the nation, adding that the lack of tangible results and effective strategies from the Ministry of Defence is unacceptable.

"The recurring incidents of violence have highlighted a significant gap in leadership, strategy, and coordination among security agencies. As a result, the people of the North feel increasingly abandoned and vulnerable.

"While we appreciate the efforts of dedicated security personnel on the ground, we hold the leadership accountable for failing to provide the necessary support, direction, and resources to tackle these issues effectively. The inability to secure the lives and properties of citizens reflects a systemic failure that requires urgent corrective measures,"Abubakar lamented.

He, therefore, called on the Minister of Defence to take immediate responsibility and provide a clear, actionable plan to restore security and public confidence in the armed forces.

The National President also called for improved collaboration among various security agencies to create a unified and efficient response to emerging threats.

He equally called for implementation of evidence-based strategies that address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and community grievances.

The NYCN boss further called for the establishment of parameters to evaluate the effectiveness of security operations and making necessary adjustments in real-time to strategies.

Further, he advocated for active involvement of local communities in security efforts to build trust, gather intelligence, foster cooperation and ensure regular briefings to the public on security progress, challenges, and the steps being taken to ensure accountability for any lapses.

Abubakar implored the Federal Government and all stakeholders to prioritise the urgent restoration of peace and security in the Northern region.

"We must ensure that our leaders remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities and are held accountable for their performance.

"In our fight against insecurity, the people of Northern Nigeria deserve much more than platitudes, they deserve decisive action that brings safety, hope, and stability back to our communities,"he emphasised.