馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Five ways communities can strengthen defenses against criminal attacks
via Punch Nigeria12 min read
As kidnappings and bandit attacks continue to threaten Nigerian communities, residents are increasingly taking proactive measures for safety. Criminal gangs often exploit weak vigilance, poor information sharing, and isolated environments. The security crisis, which has evolved from a localized insurgency in the North-East, now includes terrorism, banditry, mass abductions, and communal violence nationwide. Between May 2023 and April 2024, an estimated 2,235,954 Nigerians were kidnapped, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. While security agencies combat these crimes, community members play a critical role in prevention and reporting. The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recognizes the right to self-defense. Five practical ways communities can strengthen their defenses include building strong community intelligence networks by selecting trusted individuals to monitor and report suspicious activities, as suggested by former Deputy Director of Defence Administration Commodore Kunle Olawunmi retd. and retired Army colonel Yomi Dare. Promoting vigilance and community awareness through regular forums and encouraging residents to report suspicious movements is also crucial. Strengthening collaboration with security agencies, including the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, and local vigilante groups, is essential, as emphasized by Dare and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. Improving personal and
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Church on the Street NG has introduced the 2026 Civic Africa Fellowship, a program designed to equip young Africans with leadership and global citizenship skills. The organization stated that the fellowship aims to empower young people to become active citizens, policy influencers, and solution providers within their communities. This initiative seeks to reposition young Africans from being beneficiaries to drivers of social transformation, particularly as Africa has the world's youngest population. The fellowship will gather young leaders passionate about civic engagement, community development, social innovation, and public service. Itofa Ivarah, Founder of Church on the Street NG, emphasized that Africa's future depends on the quality of its leaders. The program will include mentorship, leadership workshops, collaborative projects, and a residency to enhance leadership capacity and civic engagement. The organization also called for collaboration from development partners, educators, policymakers, civil society organizations, and youth-focused institutions to strengthen youth leadership and civic participation across Africa. The launch of the Civic Africa Fellowship is a step in Church on the Street NG's mission to empower communities and foster social transformation.
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