By Abigail David
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) have called for a broader, whole-of-society approach to tackling terrorism, banditry and insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
The groups made the call at the Northern Nigeria Strategic Conference on Human Rights and Counterterrorism in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking at the conference, CDHR National President, Yinka Folarin, said military and security operations alone could not address Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
Folarin said the social, economic and ideological factors driving terrorism and violent extremism must also be tackled to achieve lasting security.
He called for stronger collaboration among governments, security and intelligence agencies, civil society organisations, traditional and religious institutions, development partners, the private sector and local communities.
According to him, human rights and national security should be treated as complementary rather than competing interests.
Folarin urged participants to develop practical and evidence-based recommendations that would strengthen counter-terrorism efforts while protecting fundamental human rights.
Also speaking, PCRC National Chairman, Mogaji Olaniyan, urged Nigerians to support security personnel and recognise the risks they face while protecting lives and property.
He called for improved cooperation between communities and security agencies, particularly in areas where insecurity has weakened public trust.
Olaniyan also encouraged residents to support lawful security operations and report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
