By Raphael Oni
The Executive Director of the World Institute for Peace, Lamina Kamiludeen Omotoyosi has said Nigeria cannot defeat banditry and terrorism through military force alone, calling for increased investment in civil society, job creation and early peace education.
Speaking on Issues That Matter, a programme on City Mirror TV, Lamina said the military’s operations against insurgents must be complemented by non-kinetic approaches driven by civil groups.
“The military can fight head-on, but you need civil society to bring proposals that support that fight,” he said, adding that he had previously shared the same position with the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff.
He acknowledged the sacrifices of security personnel, noting that many risk their lives in the line of duty, but stressed the need for improved welfare and equipment for security agencies.
Omotoyosi also called on citizens to support security efforts by providing useful intelligence, urging religious institutions to promote peace and highlighting job creation as a key factor in preventing youth involvement in crime.
He said the institute’s Catch Them Young programme, launched in 2016, has reached over 700 secondary schools with peace education, adding that the rehabilitation of a former young militant, Shanawole, demonstrates the effectiveness of reintegration efforts.
The peace advocate also raised concerns over the continued detention of the Director General of the National Frontier Security Service, Dr. Joshua Wole Osatimehin, who he said has been held for more than 15 days without prior notice to his family or any official explanation.
“You cannot arrest someone without informing them or their family. Even in emergencies, there must be proper awareness. This country runs on an established system, and you cannot throw that away,” he said.
Omotoyosi gave the Federal Government a 48-hour ultimatum to either release the NFSS director or provide clarity on the reasons for his detention, urging the Office of the National Security Adviser to address the matter.
He noted that the detained official has an assignment scheduled this week and that a bill concerning the agency is currently before the National Assembly awaiting presidential assent.
While demanding transparency, Lamina maintained that the Federal Government and security chiefs are making efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
