The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a firm stance against the escalating violence in the South-East, declaring the so-called “unknown gunmen” as terrorists and promising decisive action. In a ministerial briefing held on Thursday in Abuja, the government also addressed ongoing concerns about former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu’s legal status and outlined plans to bolster community policing with the recruitment of additional police constables.
Strong Stance Against South-East Violence
During the briefing at the Presidential Villa, Minister of Police Affairs Maigari Dingyadi addressed the persistent insecurity in the South-East, where attacks have disrupted communities and claimed lives. Responding to questions about the identity of the perpetrators, who have been disowned by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Dingyadi stated, “They are unknown gunmen, criminals, and terrorists, and we are dealing with them in the language they understand.” This unequivocal declaration underscores the government’s intent to treat the violence as acts of terrorism, signaling a robust security response to restore order in the region.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the spate of attacks, including assaults on security facilities and civilians, which have heightened tensions in the South-East. The government’s position aims to clarify its approach and rally support for coordinated efforts to curb the violence.
Ibrahim Magu’s Retirement and Potential Prosecution
The briefing also touched on the controversial case of Ibrahim Magu, the former Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Despite his recent promotion to Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and subsequent retirement, Dingyadi clarified that Magu remains subject to prosecution if indicted by the Justice Ayo Salami-led probe panel. The panel, established in July 2020 to investigate corruption allegations against Magu, submitted its report in November of the same year.
“The fact that Magu has retired does not exempt him from the law,” Dingyadi emphasized, noting that the matter is still under consideration by the government. He deferred questions about Magu’s promotion to the Police Service Commission, which oversees such decisions, indicating that the issue remains unresolved. This development has sparked public interest, given Magu’s high-profile tenure at the EFCC and the ongoing scrutiny of his actions.
Advancements in Community Policing
A significant portion of the briefing focused on the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance security through community policing. Dingyadi highlighted the successful training and deployment of 25,000 constabularies across Nigeria’s 36 states, marking a key milestone in the initiative. “Community policing is on course, and these constabularies are already working in their communities,” he stated, urging local leaders to collaborate by sharing intelligence and reporting incidents.
The minister also announced plans to recruit an additional 10,000 police constables within the next one to two months, aligning with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to hire 40,000 officers during his second term. This expansion aims to strengthen grassroots security and foster closer ties between law enforcement and communities.
Commitment to Modern Policing Strategies
Dingyadi outlined other achievements of the Ministry of Police Affairs, including the resuscitation of the police public complaints committee, improvements in police welfare, and the establishment of a special force base in Zuba, Abuja. He also emphasized the integration of technology in crime-fighting efforts, noting that the police are striving to maintain civility while deploying firearms only when necessary. “We are modernizing our approach to ensure effective and responsible policing,” he affirmed.
To address concerns about the psychological fitness of officers, Dingyadi assured that recruits undergo rigorous screening, including medical and psychological evaluations, to ensure only qualified individuals are selected. This focus on professionalism aims to enhance public trust in the police force.
A Call for Community Collaboration
The minister stressed the importance of community involvement in the success of the policing initiatives. He urged local leaders to work closely with constabularies, emphasizing that intelligence-sharing and prompt reporting are critical to resolving local conflicts and maintaining peace. “Communities must collaborate to ensure the success of this program,” Dingyadi said, highlighting the shared responsibility in tackling insecurity.
As Nigeria grapples with multifaceted security challenges, the government’s multifaceted approach—combining strong rhetoric against terrorism, accountability for public officials, and investment in community policing—signals a commitment to restoring stability. The developments in the South-East, alongside ongoing efforts to strengthen law enforcement, remain critical to Nigeria’s path toward peace and security.
