A don at the Centre of Conflict Management and Peace Studies, University of Jos, Dr Sesan Peterhas called on Federal Government to provide adequate and sustained funding for Police and other security agencies to tackle insecurity in the country.
Peter made the call on Thursday while speaking at a Public Lecture organised by the Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) chapel of the Plateau Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He said the public lecture, tagged, “Engaging Non-State Actors in Tackling Insecurity in Nigeria” was conceived to equip non state actors in the fight against Insecurity in the country.
According to him, the force is grossly ill equipped and underfunded.
He attributed the inability of the police to squarely address the myriad of security challenges facing the country to poor funding.
The guest lecturer added that proper funding for the police would motivate its personnel to deliver on their mandate.
“For us to address some of the security challenges facing us today, goverment must ensure proper funding for the police.
“You can imagine a police man using obsolete guns in this 21st century, dilapidated vehicles; they sometimes move on patrols without enough fuel in these vehicles.
“So, unless and until they are properly funded and motivated, we will continue to have these crimes and criminality on the rise in our communities,” he said.
The lecturer also called for regular training and retraining of personnel of the force to enable optimal performance.
“Also, our police personnel need regular training and retraining to be able to curb the numerous security challenges of today,” he said.
Peter called on Nigerians to support and collaborate with the police and other security agencies in fighting all forms of insecurity in the country.
Earlier, Mr Joseph Lankwap, the Chairman of the PRTVC chapel of NUJ, said that the choice of the topic for the event was aimed at finding lasting solutions to lingering insecurity in the country.
He said the role of the non-state actors in tackling insecurity was crucial, hence the need to amplify it toward achieving a more secured society.
“Studies have shown that in several local communities where non-state security actors operate, residents are more at peace and appreciative of the critical roles these groups are playing in their need for a secure community.
“The existence and operation of non-state actors in tackling insecurity in the country is promising, but certainly not without some of risks and challenges.
“I am optimistic that today’s lecture will highlight on these challenges and chart the way forward,” he said.
