Insecurity and the Rise of regional Militia Groups!

By
Abdullahi D Mohammed



Taking frim control of borders and territories are the hallmarks of a strong and indivisible entity. States, consider as sacred -- Unity, which, portrays strength and resilience, despite challenges it has to contend with.

Part of the Social Contract theory, according to Thomas Hobbes, People, (here Citizens), agree to give up, or limit their natural rights, and freedom in exchange for some kind of benefit-- which includes, protection of lives, and safeguarding their properties. Here, the responsibilty rest solely on the central Government, which provided direction, as the central authority, who navigates affairs of States.

Despicably, the Nigerian Government has roundly refused, or fail to keep; her side of the deal, on the Social Contract. Citizens had obviously surrendered their rights, ostensibly, in exchange for protection of lives and properties.
Events in the country had proven, that the components and different units, which forms the Federation of Nigeria is uniquely passing through a dangerous storm, which is, threatening its continued existence.

Increasingly, facts are becoming more glaring, on a weekly basis, across different regions, that shows the entity is on the precipice.
Sordid news of kidnappings, and other criminalities, are a stark reminder of how weak, or Failed States oprerates.
One begins to question, the capability of political actors, or leaders in taking effective control of the situation and steer the country on a safe path.

In the Southeast for instance, secession agitation has become rife, and the situation assumed a dangerous dimesion. The establishment of the Eastern Security Netwok, ESN, an armed militia group, which took up the role of IPOB's Military wing is, outrightly challenging the authority in the region, and country at large.

A daring attack on Police formation and Nigeria Correctional Service facilities in Imo State, and freeing of inmates, is the height of a looming anarchy and breakdown of orderliness.
Barely 24hours after the attacks, there was yet, another round of such attacks by Gunmen on a Divisional Police Headquarters. The Gunmen freed suspects before razing the place. The act is a complete affront on the security apparatus, which, clearly indicates what is fundamentally wrong with the system.

Secession calls has been heightened lately, such groups, especially in the Southeast are manifestly overwhelming the security structures in the region. So far, 1,800 inmates were said to be freed when the facility was attacked. Consequently, the proximity of the facility to the State Police Headquarters, and, the pattern and duration of the attack leaves many doubting the ability of government in protecting the citizenry.

Secession agitation in the Southwest has also been amplified lately. Oduduwa Republic proponents, had wittingly taken a step further by establishing a security outfit, which they named Oduduwa Nation Security Force, and codenamed "Operation Paramole". This, is in addition to the existing Amotekun, an armed vigilante, patrolling Southwest forest to checkmate banditry and criminality.

The big question is, could this subtly be an admittance of defeat, or, has security operatives been overwhelmed, and lacked the wherewithal to bring to an end this carnage?
Since societies has evolved, and lived in a state-structuted communities, and willingly gave up some part of their natural right, it is, plausible Government reciprocate by securing and protecting its citizens. Secession agitations are not some isolated wishful thinking, they are a deep rooted malaise, arising from dysfunctional system in the country. Endemic corruption, uneven distribution of wealth, and the collapse of the Middle Class, are profoundly, some factors responsible for the sorry state of the country.

Sadly, in the North, the bloodbath is alarming, the spate of Killings and kidnapping has become the new normal. Apparently, it is a recurrent, daily or weekly dosage to keep the media space buzzing. Trajectory of such attacks had seemingly continued in an organized and meticulous form. Some of these killer-bandits are known, their identity indisputably out in the public space, especially in communities within which they terrorize. Oftentimes, they visit markets, in a bid to stock up their supplies, carrying with them, naked weapons. The arrogance they displayed leaves many wondering if the security operatives are at the top of the situation. We have heard how bandits impose tax on communities, why has it been difficult to trail and apprehend the killer-tax collectors in process of collection?
Huge amount, sometimes running into millions are paid as ransom, why has the notes not marked, discreetly and tracked afterwards? Since, the motivation for kidnappings are hinged on ransom Money, an effective mechanism for ending such crime is cutting the money-flow. Which is why, the Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai deserve a pat on the back, because he remains defiant in his opposition to paying ransom. Negotiating, and, paying ransom is counterproductive, its like Blackmail money, the blackmailer, insatiably keeps coming for more.

Seemingly, bandits operating along kaduna-Abuja highway have been decimated, which is commendable. But, the quest for easy cash drove them to the sleepy Kachia road, in Southern Kaduna. Kachia, which links, Kaduna- Jos- Keffi and Benue axis use to be an alternate route for travelers, at the height of the kidnappings along kaduna-Abuja expressway. They have found themselves a fortress. Recently, 8 persons were reportedly killed, while large numbers were kidnapped, and many cattle rustled.

In South South, Akwa Ibom State has been in the news lately, Gunmen had scaled up attacks on security agencies, killing and burning down Divisional Police station. Military responded with air raid. Similarly, in Benue State, same scenario played out, with the killing of 11 Soldiers by unknown Gunmen. While in Abia State, Government imposed curfew in the Capital and its environs, following attacks on security operatives.

What then could prompt renewed resentment, and animosity toward security personnel and formations, especially, in the Southeast and South South? Key indicators, like, the fallout of the #EndSARS, Police brutality, frustration and the state of the economy could potentially be some factors. Significantly, the socio-economic state of the Country is a key reason.
Frustration and Aggression theory, is a popular theory in the Social Sciences that explains why people act in certain ways, albeit violently.

It has become incumbent on Government to, while combating restiveness and criminality, militarily, they should begin to address factors leading to such crime, this approach must swiftly be adopted.
In some agitations, there could exist, some salient and genuine concerns built around it. Hence, the carrot and stick approach should also be adopted inorder to address the rising insecurity, which obviously is an existential threat to the country.

Fundamentally, Government must hold firm, its mandate of securing lives of its citizens and territories. The increase in attacks on security personnel, and formations, is the height of lawlessness, which signifies a path of looming anarchy.

Emergence of regional militia groups, especially ESN, which was allegedly responsible for the killing of some Hausa resident in Owerri, Imo state, as well as attack on Correctional facility and Police formations across the Southeast must be checkmated. These groups, could advertently rise to challenge the authority by setting up parallel structures across their respective regions. Government, must therefore rise to the occasion by taking firm control of its governed, and, ungoverned spaces across the country.
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Hopefully, the coming on board, of a new IGP, could speedily address the monster. As it were, the IGP has a lot to accomplish considering the many challenges confronting the country.

Only recently, the Gen Abdulsalami-led National Peace Committee stated that, an outrageous 6million weapons are in circulation in the country. Little wonder, criminality keeps soaring, and seems endless. Government must be proactive. Once a government cannot fulfil the mandate of securing its citizens, establish internal control of territories, such a country is deemed, or considered, a failed State. which is why, citizens could resort to self-help, or agitate for secession. Government must keep its side of the deal, on Social Contract.

Abdullahi D Mohammed is with the Department of Political Science and International Studies at the Ahmadu Bello University-Zaria.
He writes from Kano
abdullahkidnyce@gmail.com