Speaking at the 69th Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association in Abuja, the Emir suggested that each Emirate in the North should consider employing traditional methods to combat insecurity, drawing inspiration from Ondo's Amotekun initiative. He emphasized the need to explore indigenous approaches to tackling security challenges.
Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the Commander of Ondo State's Amotekun security outfit, also shared insights during the event.
He noted the the positive impact of Amotekun on the state's internally generated revenue (IGR), which saw a remarkable increase of more than 300% over three years. Adeleye attributed this growth to the effective collaboration between Amotekun and other security agencies in Ondo State.
He emphasized the importance of community engagement and education, noting that educating farmers and herders about their rights and responsibilities helped reduce conflicts. The involvement of local leaders, such as the Miyetti Allah and farmer's council, in conveying the message of peaceful coexistence played a pivotal role.
Adeleye highlighted that Amotekun's success also extended to recovering stolen herds and returning them to their rightful owners. He stressed the potential of grassroots intelligence-driven security initiatives like Amotekun to significantly reduce insecurity in the country.
The Inspector-General of Police, represented by AIG Frank Mba, emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive police reforms as a solution to transforming the internal security landscape. The IGP noted the existing challenge of a low police-citizen ratio in Nigeria and advocated for substantial police reform efforts.
Rear Admiral Onubebe, representing the Chief of Army Staff, discussed the multifaceted nature of national security, encompassing not only physical threats but also political, social, and environmental aspects. He emphasized the importance of nurturing a people-centric and collaborative Armed Forces of Nigeria capable of meeting constitutional responsibilities within a changing environment.