In the midst of Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against organized criminal activities and various forms of lawlessness, Dr. Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector General of Police and Chairman of the Police Service Commission, has urged for a renewed and resolute collective effort to achieve the desired results.
Addressing a gathering at the International Symposium on Countering Organized Crimes in Africa, held in Abuja, Dr. Arase emphasized the need for unity in the face of those who pose a threat to the “sovereign integrity of the Nigerian State.”
He asserted that no security agency can fulfil its mandate without the unwavering support of the Nigerian people.
Speaking at the symposium, Dr. Arase, who was represented by Bar. Brighten Saagwe, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at the Commission, declared, “Our determination must be unwavering, as our faith is rooted in the indivisibility of Nigeria.”
The former Inspector General stressed that it has become both a statutory obligation and a moral imperative for security agencies to revitalize their combat capabilities, re-strategize, and adapt their tactics to swiftly confront and contain the escalating challenges to national security.
Dr. Arase emphasized that, under no circumstances, should they shy away from employing necessary legal measures to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.
He highlighted that terrorism and crime show no discrimination, affecting individuals irrespective of their socioeconomic status, education, or background.
He called for unity in the face of organized crime and terrorism, stating, “Regardless of the sacrifices required, let us stand united and triumph over these threats.”
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission appealed to the nation, affirming that the paramount duty of their generation is to provide hope to the despairing, strength to the vulnerable, and protection to the defenceless.
Dr. Arase acknowledged the detrimental impact of organized crime on the economic development of nations and stressed the importance of its eradication.
He quoted, “Mankind must put an end to organized crime or organized crime will put an end to mankind.”
In his metaphorical description, he encouraged the nation to keep a finger on the “escape key” on life’s keyboard to survive.
Dr. Arase recommended enhanced synergy among security agencies and the prompt sharing of criminal intelligence as essential elements in the war against organized crime. He further advised the government to adopt a balanced approach that combines both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies for effective and results-oriented security management.
Assuring collaboration, Dr. Arase promised that the Police Service Commission, during his tenure, will partner with other government agencies to combat organized crime in Nigeria.
The symposium, with a thematic focus on Drug Crimes, Terrorism, Arms Trafficking, Marine Crimes, Environmental Crime, and Auto Theft, was organized by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch, in conjunction with various partners.
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