In a pressing response to Nigeria’s escalating insecurity, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the former governor of Abia State, has advocated for the establishment of a new community-based security initiative. Drawing inspiration from the historic Bakassi Boys—an earlier security group he founded that effectively reduced crime rates during his governorship—Kalu believes that a similar approach could prove beneficial in today’s context.
During a press briefing at the National Assembly in Abuja, Kalu expressed grave concerns about the current security situation in Nigeria, stating that it has reached alarming levels. He emphasized the need for a locally-driven, community-oriented security framework that would supplement the efforts of the military and police forces. “When I was governor, I formed the Bakassi Boys, and they were not about boyfriend and girlfriend; they were about criminals,” he noted, stressing that such a structure could help eradicate criminal activities again.
Kalu underscored the importance of collaboration between citizens and security forces, urging the public to contribute by providing information to the military. “No army fights and wins without the cooperation of its citizens,” he said, illustrating the critical role of community engagement in national security efforts.
Furthermore, the senator highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to prioritizing security under the current military leadership. He noted that recent military operations, including airstrikes targeting terrorist hideouts, illustrate the administration’s resolve to combat insurgents. Kalu also called for enhanced international cooperation, specifically in intelligence sharing and strategic support from allies, such as the United States, to effectively counter terrorism.
In supporting comments made by former US President Donald Trump regarding religious persecution in Nigeria, Kalu asserted that Trump’s remarks were based on factual insights into the plight of both Christians and Muslims in the country. He stated, “What Donald Trump said, is it a lie? The answer is no. Nigerians are being killed, whether Christians or Muslims,” highlighting the indiscriminate nature of attacks by jihadists across various regions.
