The Regional First Vice President of the West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA), Comrade Igwe Martins, has called on the Federal Government to immediately halt the recruitment of repentant Boko Haram members into Nigeria’s security services, warning that the practice could undermine national security and damage the country’s international reputation.
Igwe made the call during a courtesy visit by a WAANSA delegation to the Chairperson of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Mrs. Grace Morenike Henry, at the Legion’s national headquarters in Abuja.
He expressed concern over the country’s worsening security situation, urging the government to strengthen border security despite the ECOWAS free movement protocol.
According to him, Nigeria should declare a state of emergency on border security and put in place stronger measures to prevent criminals from entering the country.
Igwe also announced WAANSA’s readiness to partner with the Nigerian Legion to educate farmers and the public on the dangers of black fertilizer, which he said is often diverted for the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by criminal groups.
“We are concerned about the rising level of insecurity in the country and are committed to supporting initiatives that will prevent criminal elements from operating freely. Public awareness on the misuse of black fertilizer is essential to tackling insecurity,” he said.
Speaking during the visit, the President of WAANSA Nigeria, Mrs. Lamide Tomitope, called for stronger collaboration between the organisation and the Nigerian Legion in mobilising citizens against activities that threaten national peace and security.
She stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment campaigns to address insecurity and promote peaceful coexistence, while commending President Bola Tinubu for appointing a woman to lead the Nigerian Legion.
Also speaking, WAANSA Nigeria’s Director of Programmes, Engr. George Okoli, appreciated the Legion’s leadership for receiving the delegation and expressed optimism that greater collaboration would contribute to improving security across the country.
He urged Nigerians and relevant agencies to work closely with WAANSA in advancing peace, protecting lives and property, and building a more secure and prosperous society.
Responding, the Chairperson of the National Council of the Nigerian Legion, Mrs. Grace Morenike Henry, thanked the WAANSA delegation for the visit and pledged the Legion’s commitment to working with the organisation in promoting peace and national security.
She acknowledged the efforts of the current administration in addressing security challenges and called on Nigerians to support government initiatives aimed at restoring lasting peace.
Henry also appealed to young Nigerians to embrace dialogue rather than violence in addressing grievances.
“Insecurity must come to an end. Protest is not always the solution; dialogue remains the best approach to resolving challenges.
Nigeria remains our home, and it is only through peace and unity that we can build the nation we all desire,” she said.
The visit featured the presentation of the communiqué from the recently concluded WAANSA Conference on Security and Peacebuilding in West Africa to the leadership of the Nigerian Legion.
