Despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointment of new service chiefs, the African Heritage Institution (Afri-Heritage) insists that wanton bandits and terrorists’ onslaughts suggest that Nigeria’s national security has been “severely” compromised.

Afri-Heritage is a not-for-profit, non-partisan and independent policy think tank.

The Executive Director of the body, Ufo Okeke-Uzodike, stated this on Thursday at a news conference on the ‘Big Idea Podium’ event slated for Enugu.

He noted, “Quite frankly, there are no regions or zones in Nigeria these days that are free from serious and deadly dramas.

“As things stand, national security appears to be severely compromised, in spite of the ridiculous proliferation of security agencies.”

According to him, the nation’s security agencies need adequate military equipment to fight banditry and other criminal elements successfully.

Prof Okeke-Uzodike insisted that Mr Buhari was responsible for strengthening existing security agencies with equipment, training, and intelligence capacities to check the growing spate of banditry across the country.

He added, “More recently, Nigerians are being fed with sensational stories about the deadly exploits of armed bandits, who have been terrorising all parts of Nigeria.

“In fact, many parts of the north have become enclaves of armed banditry by reputed hoodlums and ‘cattle rustlers.'”

He acknowledged that the present security challenge in the country “is highly surmountable with a clear vision, direction, and political will.”

Speaking further, Prof Okeke-Uzodike urged the government at all levels to take concerted steps to deal decisively with the criminal elements.

“A vast majority of Nigerians in rural areas cannot carry out economic activities due to bandits in form of hoodlums or armed gangs,” he said.

The Afri-Heritage director added, “Reports now suggest that they (bandits) are deeply involved in kidnapping, robbery, rape, cattle-rustling, and even murder.”

(NAN)