With formal security structures failing, it is time to revisit traditional security practices that have protected communities for centuries, known as “Operation Know Your Neighbour”. This approach emphasises community involvement in safeguarding lives and property. It is a system built on mutual trust, accountability, and vigilance, where residents take an active role in monitoring their surroundings
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NIGERIA, a country that once boasted thriving communities, diverse cultures, and strong family ties, now faces a security crisis of monumental proportions. However, the country has seen an alarming rise in insecurity. What began as isolated incidents of violence has blown up into a nationwide crisis. From banditry to terrorism, kidnapping to armed robbery, no region seems immune to the threat of insecurity. Even the rural areas, once considered safe havens, are now under siege by criminal elements, with villages and towns overrun by bandits, cult groups, unregulated vigilantes, and political agents.
Nigeria is Africa’s most densely populated country, affected by persistent internal turmoil based on overlapping ethnic, religious, political, and regional divisions. It can also be attributed to several interconnected factors, including poverty, unemployment, and social unrest. Desperate individuals, often without sustainable means of livelihood, resort to criminal activities, thereby exacerbating the situation. In recent years, Nigeria has grappled with escalating violence from various groups, most notably Boko Haram and ISIS-affiliated factions in the northeast, armed bandits and kidnapping in the northwest, unknown gunmen and kidnapping in the South East and ethnic conflicts in the middle belt. According to the Global Peace Index, Nigeria ranks among the least peaceful countries in the world. The Nigerian security forces, despite their efforts, have struggled to contain the rising tide of violence, primarily due to limited resources, personnel shortages, and a lack of comprehensive strategies that incorporate grassroots input.
The socioeconomic conditions fostering crime remain largely unaddressed, even as security measures seem to yield little more than fleeting respite. In response to the intolerable state of insecurity, the Nigerian government has allocated billions of naira towards enhancing security forces. However, these leaders’ commitment has often yielded little more than an illusion of safety. Rather than achieving meaningful improvements, excessive spending often resulted in a false sense of safety. This has led to a situation where people are left feeling vulnerable and unsure of their safety, and also it has diverted resources away from other important areas, such as education, healthcare, and economic development. Roads that were once thrumming with businesses have turned desolate, as people are afraid to travel or transport goods. Agricultural sectors have suffered as farmers abandon their fields to avoid kidnappers and armed groups. Markets that once served as bustling centres of commerce have dwindled into shadows of their former selves. As investors become hesitant to set up shops in an unstable environment, the economy feels the repercussions of insecurity in the form of unemployment and inflation. This has harmed the overall well-being of citizens, who are not only feeling less safe but also facing challenges in accessing basic services and opportunities.
As insecurity has deepened, the demarcation between legitimate security forces and armed criminals has become increasingly murky. The widespread availability of illegal firearms further exacerbates this issue. Anyone, from gang members to self-styled vigilantes, can brandish weapons, leading to chaos where armed individuals roam freely-often indistinguishable from law enforcement officials. Desperate for protection, communities have turned to forming their vigilante groups. While these individuals often have good intentions and serve as the first line of defence, their actions can result in unintended violence. They operate outside the law, which poses a significant risk of misuse of power, unchecked violence, and potential clashes with legitimate security forces. Local vigilantes may lack proper training in conflict resolution, rules of engagement, or even basic human rights principles. When community members take the law into their own hands without a framework for accountability, it can lead to tragic outcomes-such as wrongful accusations or violence against perceived threats.
Stark disparities characterise the safety landscape in Nigeria. A growing perception exists that only those with financial means can secure their safety, thanks to the increasing dependence on private security services. The wealthier segments of society enhance their protection through private escorts, elite security firms, or connections with local police forces, effectively insulating themselves from the troubles that plague poorer communities. This growing divide raises broader questions about social equity, justice, and the very essence of the state’s role in safeguarding its citizens. What happens when a significant portion of the population no longer trusts government institutions to provide safety? This disparity feeds further resentment, turning ordinary citizens against each other and widening the divide between classes. The unfortunate reality is that millions of Nigerians are now compelled to supplement inadequate state protection with self-protective measures. Some neighbourhood groups take initiatives like community watch programs, bringing residents together in informal alliances to guard against threats. However, some of these efforts may inadvertently lead to vigilantism, creating cycles of violence and distrust rather than fostering community safety.
Nigeria’s inability to secure its people, goods, and services is affecting its reputation on the global landscape. This lack of control has contributed to international embarrassment, such as the recent situation with Niger Republic, when the President issued a warning for the country to restore democracy, they dismissed it outright, showing a lack of respect for Nigeria’s authority. A country that cannot secure its citizens cannot command global respect.
With formal security structures failing, it is time to revisit traditional security practices that have protected communities for centuries, known as “Operation Know Your Neighbour”. This approach emphasises community involvement in safeguarding lives and property. It is a system built on mutual trust, accountability, and vigilance, where residents take an active role in monitoring their surroundings. It is based on the understanding that no criminal operates in isolation – every bandit, kidnapper, and armed robber is somebody’s neighbour, relative, or acquaintance. By strengthening community vigilance, we can create an environment where crime becomes more difficult to sustain.
JUST as what happened over 50 years ago, I had attained a fairly senior position in my multinational organisation, reaching the position of Assistant Project Manager. I moved from a one-room studio in Surulere to a more spacious room-and-parlour apartment in Ilupeju, a suburb outside central Lagos. As I was on track to become a full manager in the multinational construction firm Costain West Africa, I decided it was time to build my own house in my hometown, Akwukwu-Igbo, then part of Bendel State.
Determined to make this dream a reality, I dedicated a portion of my salary each month to purchasing building materials. Cement was the final item I secured before starting the foundation work, which I had arranged on a direct contract basis. With no security personnel or fencing around the site, the cement was simply covered with a tarpaulin. In our closely-knit community, theft was rare, as everyone looked out for one another’s property. There was no police station nearby- the closest one was an hour’s drive away, and no prisons or cult activities in the area.
One evening, a middle-aged man, unknown to me, visited my construction site and took a bag of cement. A passerby witnessed the act and promptly reported it to the Regent. That same night, the Regent gathered a small council of chiefs and summoned the man for questioning. In his defence, he claimed that he had taken the cement to repair floor cracks in his house and had intended to inform me on my next visit. However, since he had taken the cement before seeking permission, he was sentenced to serve as a watchman at my construction site, guarding it day and night until my return. When I eventually arrived at the site, I was surprised to find the so-called “cement thief” camped there. He faithfully stayed for eight days, with his family bringing him food twice a day. He narrated the entire incident to me, and after hearing his story, I asked him to leave and not steal again.
However, my decision did not sit well with the Regent and the council of chiefs. I was summoned to the palace and reprimanded for dismissing the thief without consulting them. As a consequence, I was fined a she-goat and six cartons of beer. In an unexpected turn, the man and I became friends. He even offered to replace the stolen cement and continued visiting the site until the house was completed.
Back then, the security of our community and the protection of property were the collective responsibility of the people. Before the arrival of police stations and prisons, we relied on a shared sense of accountability and justice to maintain order- a system that, despite its informality, ensured peace and harmony in our town.
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II
In a nation where citizens feel increasingly abandoned by state authorities, revitalising community cooperation can empower individuals to take charge of their safety. Ultimately, fostering a culture of vigilance and interconnectedness can aid Nigeria in mitigating violence and laying the groundwork for a more harmonious society where citizens feel safe and respected in their communities
IN part one, we established that it is primarily the responsibility of the people to protect their own communities. Today’s article will be on how this concept can be implemented effectively and the significant role it plays in keeping our nation safe. The phrase “it takes a village” perfectly encapsulates the idea that safety and security cannot be achieved by one person alone. It requires the collective effort of everyone in the community, this is where the importance of community involvement comes in. When individuals come together and actively participate in safeguarding their neighborhoods, the overall safety of the community is significantly improved. One of the essential elements of community involvement in enhancing security is building strong relationships between neighbours. Knowing your neighbours, their routines, and their presence in the community provides an added layer of security. This sense of familiarity and awareness can help identify suspicious activities and deter potential crime. In addition to building relationships, it is crucial to establish a communication network within the community, this can be in the form of a neighborhood watch group or a community forum where residents can share information and discuss security concerns. With this network in place, any unusual or concerning activity can be quickly reported and addressed.
Another unforgettable story: how my community came together in times of need. Stories of unity, community, and resilience are often the most heartwarming and inspiring, and I am fortunate to have experienced one such story firsthand. Years back, when I was with my family in my hometown, I received a message that required my immediate presence in Lagos. Without hesitation, I had to leave my family behind and catch a flight back to the city; they were scheduled to return in a short while, just a couple of days later. In those days, the best time to travel from the village to Lagos was early in the morning, around 6am, so, the day before my family’s departure, they loaded all our belongings and necessities into the car. However, when they woke up at 5am, they were in for a shock- the car and all of our belongings were gone, in a state of panic, my wife and son walked to the palace of the Regent to report the theft. The Regent immediately summoned the town crier to gather the men and women of the community at the palace, before 6am, dozens of people had gathered to hear about the disappearance of my car. Without any hesitation, the community sprang into action, three different groups were formed to search for the stolen car through the three entries leading to the village. Since the thieves had very little fuel left in the car, it was unlikely that they would have gone very far; some members of the community traveled on motorbikes, while others used their cars to cover more ground. The unity and determination of the community were truly remarkable. As fate would have it, at around 7am, the same time the nearest petrol station opened for business, the stolen car was found waiting to be fueled by the thieves. The moment they spotted the group of villagers on motorbikes approaching, the criminals abandoned the car and ran away, leaving everything intact, including the key. The group quickly gave chase and managed to apprehend some of the perpetrators, bringing them back to the village. What was shocking and heartbreaking was that the thieves turned out to be members of our own community, one of them even knew my driver and had tampered with the window where my driver slept to take the car key. However, it was heartening to see the community come together to help in times of need, regardless of who was involved. This event not only brought to light the strong bond and unity within our community but also showed the power of swift action and the importance of being each other’s keeper.
Community involvement also extends beyond the physical aspect of security, it involves educating and empowering individuals to be proactive in protecting their homes and the overall well-being of the community. This can be achieved through safety workshops, self-defense classes, or even organizing volunteer efforts to maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of the neighborhood. By instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in each member of the community, a stronger and safer environment is created. When individuals take charge of their community’s safety, it helps reduce the burden on law enforcement agencies, allowing them force on more significant security concerns. This partnership creates a more effective approach to tackling security challenges. Not only does community involvement strengthen the security of neighborhoods, but it also fosters a sense of unity and belonging.
Features of the “Operation Know Your Neighbor” Initiative
- Local Monitoring: Every household should monitor the movement of people, goods, and resources can serve as a deterrent against criminal activity. Recognizing familiar faces can help quickly identify strangers or those with questionable intentions.
- Good Neighbor Policies: Emphasizing the importance of knowing neighbors and fostering relationships can rebuild trust. Local gatherings, community events, and neighborhood meetings can enhance the sense of belonging and vigilance.
- Wealth Transparency: Keeping an eye on sudden wealth in the community can help address issues of corruption or unlawful practices. Engaging in dialogues about financial behavior can deter individuals from illicit activities.
- Reporting Structure: Establishing clear pathways for reporting suspicious activities, with defined roles for both citizens and local authorities, can lead to faster responses and improved overall efficiency in the system.
- Community Education: Providing education on community-based security measures, conflict resolution, and reporting mechanisms can equip citizens with the knowledge they need to take an active role in their safety.
- Partnerships with Authorities: Local security committees can liaise with police and other security agencies to create open lines of communication, ensuring that community concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
“Operation Know Your Neighbor” offers a promising alternative to the current disjointed security landscape by reinvigorating community spirit and local accountability. In a nation where citizens feel increasingly abandoned by state authorities, revitalizing community cooperation can empower individuals to take charge of their safety. Ultimately, fostering a culture of vigilance and interconnectedness can aid Nigeria in mitigating violence and laying the groundwork for a more harmonious society where citizens feel safe and respected in their communities. The road to security is multifaceted, requiring both community action and state support. By instilling a proactive mindset focused on collaboration, transparency, and accountability, Nigeria can embark on a brighter path toward ensuring peace, stability, and respect for its communities. It’s a call to arms, one that invites every citizen to responsibly engage and reclaim their role in the quest for safety, thereby laying a solid foundation for a more secure and united Nigeria.
