Expert urges FG to strengthen civil intelligence, empower youths

By Abubakar Yunusa

A criminology and security expert, Ambassador Princess Omobolanle Ogundiran, on Wednesday in Abuja urged the Federal Government to reform civil intelligence structures and support youth and women empowerment programmes to curb rising crime.

Ogundiran made the call during the unveiling of The Intelligesia Nigeria, an initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots security and promoting community engagement nationwide.

Speaking at the event themed, “Strengthening national security through women and youth development: A civil intelligence approach,” she warned that unemployment and idleness among young people were key drivers of crime despite their potential.

“We have the best youth in this country but many are idle. Government must support training, skill acquisition and empowerment programmes because an idle mind is the devil’s workshop,” she said.

The programme featured training sessions, a book launch and certification for participants.

Ogundiran stressed that government alone could not tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, urging communities, families and traditional institutions to play active roles in crime prevention.

“We must go back to our roots, from our homes to our communities and traditional institutions. We must come together to fight crimes and criminal activities,” she added.

She expressed concern over youth involvement in crime, noting that minors aged between zero and 18 accounted for about 20 to 30 per cent of minor offences, including petty theft and school-related crimes.

According to her, individuals aged between 18 and 35 were responsible for about 70 to 80 per cent of major crimes such as cybercrime, violence, banditry and terrorism.

The expert advocated early intervention through youth orientation and women empowerment, stating that financially stable and socially engaged women could positively influence younger generations.

She added that strengthening local intelligence through traditional institutions would enable security agencies to obtain timely information to prevent crimes.

“This campaign has begun. We have unveiled it and it will move across the country. Some schools are already using it as a club to engage communities,” she said.

Ogundiran described the initiative as non-political, insisting it was a patriotic effort to improve national security.

“We have no other country except Nigeria. Security is everybody’s business and we must all be involved,” she said.

She disclosed that the project had commenced in the North-Central zone, beginning with the Federal Capital Territory, with plans to expand to other states before the next election cycle.

Also speaking, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of community policing, FCT Command, Umar Yakubu, highlighted the importance of collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

Yakubu noted that police officers posted to unfamiliar environments often lacked knowledge of local terrain and language, making community policing essential.

“Most policemen are posted from different parts of the country and may not understand the terrain or language. Community policing helps residents work with the police to secure their environment,” he said.

He commended the initiative, describing it as a step towards strengthening security through community participation.

In her remarks, Justice Stella I. Anukam emphasised the need for collective responsibility in addressing crime and insecurity.

She urged citizens to embrace civic duties, report suspicious activities, respect laws and hold leaders accountable.

She also called on institutions to uphold integrity, transparency and justice, while advising judicial officers to deliver clear and consistent judgments based on established legal principles.

Anukam added that organisations should promote ethical practices, support community development and collaborate with governments and citizens to address security challenges.

She stressed that collective efforts were necessary to build trust, tackle the root causes of crime and foster accountability to achieve a peaceful and secure society.