In the past two decades the world has experienced a very rapid dynamic change of human activities, than it has before seen on many of its pressing challenging issues- politically,economically, socially and security wise.
Security wise, the world has seen its own challenges undergone a form of evolution-that is, from simple to complexities. As with all challenging issues, the world cannot do without keeping pace with these changing times. Conventional security methods are gradually been relegated to the background because they are proving ineffective, or one should say, can no longer cope effectively with the present challenges facing the world as it used to in the past!
This is why the world is evolving along with these pressing issues with new strategies it can muster. If we don't move with changing times, then we would certainly be lagging behind in contemporary matters - matters we ought to be abreast with and provide workable solutions on time.
Unfortunately, our security agencies here in Nigeria, have not kept pace with changing times and have waited for issues to arise at our door steps before beginning to prepare for solutions. Issues we are familiar with, which have happened in other countries.
All these while, we have struck to the old conventional ideas and methods of providing security and tackling its challenges and thinking all the evolving security issues we observed through international news, in other countries, do not concern us and would never happen here - just because they have not occurred before. But now we know different!
Also, cautions from security analysts, well meaning persons and journalists of the possible outcome here in Nigeria, of these erratic security threats which were already a common reality in other countries, which had the same religious fanatical elements residing here in Nigeria were treated with kid gloves and regarded without any seriousness and as mere reports of journalists carrying out their normal duties. But we now know better that there is no smoke without a fire bellowing somewhere!
The outcome of the religious extremist ideologies in Nigeria started firstly as Sharia law, in defiance to all logical reason and has now evolved, secondly, to Boko Haram- meaning "western education is sin". This is even a further more defiance has gone beyond its boundaries of tolerance. This is an open showdown against the very essence of civilisation by beastial human elements and which has led to these security crisis- suicide bombings and loss of numerous innocent lives. This, which is occurring here in Nigeria with the same intensity as in the most troubled parts of the world is overwhelming our security forces and its think tank!
But why so? When long ago, in the news, this same security issues have been happening in other countries, many of which had this same familiar religious extremist views, for well almost two decades ago!
Have we been laughing at these countries while these issues occurred there? Countries like Ireland, Iran, Iraq ,Lebanon, Israel, Palestine including the super powers-USA, Britain and Russia have had their fair share.
Did we not know that the world has become a global village by virtue of the advances made in information communications technology (ICT) and satellite cable television which has now become a veritable means of cross fertilizing ideas? And also that terrorism haS grown from sectional tribal sects over the years to a global, religious fanatical movement - pitching its tent on the side of the second largest religious movement in the world with millions of faithful followers who are ready to deploy the most barbaric means to further their ideological cause?
Why were these tell tale signs of the present day security crisis ignored? Is it because they were reported by persons we regarded as non security personnel like the journalists, civil liberty organisations, the red cross and other humanitarian groups?
Can we say that their reports did not have useful security information? Have we not seen how these groups work in synergy with security agencies in the advanced countries of the world, by providing valuable first hand field security situation reports?These questions surely are food for thought for our government and its security agencies.
We can improve on our state of readiness on these issues when our security agencies see their dependence on the activities of these well meaning groups and work more closely with them. Security issues are open for all to contribute their quota for possible solutions.
In the advanced nations, governments rely on these humanitarian and non- governmental groups for intelligence gathering and about the state of affairs in many parts of the world where their state diplomatic influence is restricted. And have been able to act on these intelligence in a proactive manner. There are numerous institutes concerned with the study of the developments occurring in various parts of the world. All these provide valuable intelligence for their governments to work with.
We can advert this kind of security scenario we are presently having here in Nigeria in the future when the government and its security agencies draw the secular world closer than before, and rub minds together as team players having a common goal for the peace and security of the nation.
