Abuja: Stakeholders in the security sector have called for coordinated national action to curb the increasing attacks on security operatives across the country. They made the call at the Grand Finale and National Security Dialogue of the Second Edition of the Campaign Against Killing of Security Personnel, held on Saturday in Abuja. The stakeholders, drawn from the security agencies, civil society organisations, and policy circle, expressed concern that the trend of killing security personnel posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s stability and the authority of the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasized the need for collective responsibility in protecting those charged with safeguarding the nation. Maiwada, represented by ASC Folusho Adeogun, stated that an attack on an officer is a calculated assault on state institutions, thereby eroding public trust and weakening law enforcement. He highlighted that security personnel across the country are increasingly becoming targets while carrying out lawful duties, facing dangers from smugglers, terrorists, and organized criminal networks, particularly in border areas and major trade corridors.
Maiwada explained that reversing the trend would require intelligence-led operations, improved training, modern technology, better welfare for officers, and stronger collaboration among security agencies. He also stressed the necessity of active community participation, indicating that when security personnel are seen as partners within communities, intelligence sharing improves and potential threats are detected early.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, also spoke at the event, underscoring the urgent need for unity and decisive action. Onoja warned that continued attacks on security operatives would only strengthen criminal networks involved in illegal mining, banditry, and arms trafficking. He emphasized that an attack on a security operative is an attack on Nigeria itself, noting that these officers are individuals who have chosen national service over personal safety. Onoja called for effective cooperation between communities and law enforcement to deprive criminals of safe havens.
The Convener of the Campaign, Oluwayomi Oluwapelumi, mentioned that the second edition of the initiative builds on earlier efforts to confront the persistent targeting of security personnel nationwide. Oluwapelumi stated that the campaign, which began with engagements in Lagos and Ogun states, was structured to move beyond advocacy towards sustained dialogue and policy-driven solutions. She concluded that the safety of security operatives must be treated as a national priority.