Nigeria is grappling with a serious security problem, and the usual solutions might not be enough. One expert suggests that the key to fixing the escalating crime rates could lie in revisiting traditional ways of resolving conflicts and addressing deep-rooted social issues. Could going back to the old ways be the answer to Nigeria’s current crisis?
- The Problem: Crime rates are skyrocketing, especially in the North.
- The Expert’s Take: Restore old ways of settling disputes and fix governance gaps.
- The Big Picture: Poverty and lack of trust in authorities are making things worse.
- The Solution: It’s not just about more police; it’s about fixing the system and building trust.
The North-South Divide: A Breeding Ground for Crime
Security expert, Confidence Macharry, from SBM Intelligence, has called for Nigeria to look at more than just policing to reduce crime. He points out a significant gap in development between the northern and southern parts of the country. The North, often lagging in human development, is where access to justice and good governance is weakest. This disparity creates an environment where people are more likely to take matters into their own hands.
Why Traditional Methods Matter
Macharry argues that traditional methods of resolving disputes have been ignored. In the past, community leaders and traditional rulers played a key role in mediating conflicts, especially between farmers and herders. Now, the reliance is almost entirely on the police, which is often distant and distrusted. This loss of traditional authority has created a vacuum that contributes to the breakdown of law and order.
The Disturbing Numbers: Crime on the Rise
Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) paints a grim picture. Between May 2023 and April 2024, there were about 52 million reported cases of crime across the country, with the highest numbers in the North-West. This surge includes serious offenses like kidnappings for ransom, with a staggering ₦2.23 trillion paid out in ransoms during that period. That’s an average of ₦2.67 million per incident! Rural areas are reporting more crime than urban areas, showing that security is not just a big-city issue.
Poverty and Desperation: Fueling the Fire
It’s not just about bad governance. Macharry also points to poverty as a big driver of crime. As more Nigerians struggle to survive, many turn to illegal activities. He suggests that even a modest reduction in poverty could lead to a big drop in crime rates. The desperation caused by poverty creates an environment ripe for criminal activity.
Trust Issues: Why People Don’t Report Crimes
Another major problem is that many people don’t report crimes to the police. Out of 4.14 million home robbery cases, only 36.3% were reported. This lack of reporting stems from a deep-seated distrust in the police and other government institutions. Macharry insists that the police must earn the public’s trust by showing they can effectively administer justice. The public has to believe in the system for it to work.
The Way Forward: Rebuilding Trust and Systems
According to Macharry, the solution is not just more policing. It’s about going back to the roots, reviving traditional dispute mechanisms, improving governance, and tackling poverty. Nigeria needs to create a system where people can trust those in power and feel safe in their communities. Only then can the country hope to curb the rising wave of insecurity.
Key Takeaways:
- Revive traditional dispute methods.
- Address the North-South development gap.
- Tackle poverty to reduce desperation-driven crime.
- Rebuild public trust in security agencies.
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