The Kobo Value of The Nigerian Life
Operation Entebbe was a covert, yet remarkably successful counter-terrorist operation carried out by Israeli Defence Forces (ISF) in Uganda in 1976. The commandos infiltrated the airport base where hijackers kept over 90 Israeli hostages, heavily guarded by Ugandan soldiers. They obliterated the resistance, killed the hijackers and forty-five Ugandan soldiers and valiantly rescued the hostages.
Can you imagine for a moment the reaction of the Nigerian government when it receives intelligence through its security agencies that scores of Nigerians have been held hostage in a similar manner to Operation Entebbe? Well, no need stretching your imagination — there have been many such cases in recent times. The Chibok girl’s kidnapping remains a principal example. Masterminded by the infamous Boko Haram Terrorist Group who have terrified the country for over 10 years. Since then, the nation sadly plunged into a deep security crisis that doesn’t seem to see an end. From the rising cases of violence and kidnapping to the incessant incidents of robbery, safety is gravely endangered for the ordinary Nigerian. The perpetrators of these dastardly acts are emboldened by the inefficiency of our security agencies.
The basic responsibility of the government is the safety and security of its people. Rather than deal with the root of our security challenges, the government has found it convenient to throw money at every security-related problem. Monies that cannot be accounted for, giving credence to the grand corruption that pervades the nation. According to a Transparency International report, accountability in the security sector is poor, security votes obtained by state governors have been used as conduits for massive corruption. Little wonder, security institutions have performed poorly in the Freedom of Information Compliance ranking done annually by PPDC.
Furthermore, the welfare condition of Nigerian policemen and officers raises concerns such as deplorable housing, worn-out uniforms and shoes, paltry pay packages, unpleasant working environment, and generally poor conditions of service. These have so far become impediments to the adequate performance by men and women of the force. The ordinary Nigerian is made to suffer the consequences of these inadequacies. Despite the odds, there are many patriotic and exceptional officers who prove their mettle on the field daily. Unfortunately, their performances are dwarfed by the ruthless acts of human rights abuses by some members of the force.
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police Force deserves an honorable mention in this piece. They randomly stop young people on the street, harass, extort and in many cases illegally detain them until a ransom is paid. Supposed defenders have turned predators and a thorn in the flesh of the Nigerian youth. One such agonizing incident was the killing of Kolade Johnson by trigger-happy policemen on 31st March 2019 who was shot while watching a football match at a viewing centre. The contemptible display of some of these operatives led to the infamous #EndSARS campaign on social media. Nigerians have called for the scrapping of this rogue SARS unit and several efforts at reformation have been made without much success. The unsavory display of professionalism by the Nigerian Police leaves much to be desired.
The appalling level of our security has certainly impacted the growth of the economy. No economy anywhere in the world thrives in the face of insecurity. Until the right steps are taken to ensure the lives and property of Nigerians are valued and protected, the whole economic merry-go-round is likely to continue.
One such step would be to stem the tide of rising unemployment and widespread poverty. The statistics are disappointing. According to a 2018 NBS report, unemployment/underemployment is at 55.4%. It’s a no-brainer that the massive rate of unemployment serves as a catalyst to perpetrate crime. The security architecture needs to be overhauled to address the worsening situation. We can agree that most of our security agencies are overstretched, with the majority of its officers serving as security details to public office holders and wealthy private individuals who can afford their services.
The much talked about 2020 is finally here. We cannot continue on this trajectory of insecurity and expect to establish ourselves as a significant player in the global economic and political arena. We have enough punitive measures to punish offenders, it’s time to deal with the problem at the root.
The Nigeria of our dream is one where the safety of her people comes before the personal gains and political ambition of anyone. It’s one where the welfare of our security agents is paramount. It’s one where Nigerians are not extorted and harassed by those responsible for their protection. As it stands the value of the Nigerian life is like the kobo — we talk about it but cannot see it.
The chief purpose of the government is to protect life. Abandon that, and you’ve abandoned all.
- Thomas Jefferson
