National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators (NCNDE-A) has challenged security chiefs to involve youths in the fight against heinous crimes.
NCNDE-A, through its National President, Eshanekpe Israel a.k.a Akpodoro, spoke on Wednesday in Abuja.
In a statement, he noted that conventional security operatives alone would not win the war against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes.
The ex-agitator was speaking in response to a statement by Director of Army and Civil Relationship General John Eneche.
General Eneche called for information from the people to enhance performance and service delivery by security operatives.
Akpodoro said security agencies should show better commitment and honesty by engaging youths in battling high crimes.
Besides, he said money meant to secure the nation’s security should be wisely spent to achieve result.
He noted that to stop insurgency and other cimes, a community-based security apparatus would complement conventional operatives from outside the environment.
The NCNDE-A national president decried security agencies for reneging on promises made to those who give information, and others they engaged in dangerous operations.
He stressed agreements reached with the local population were never honoured, leading mostly to lack of willingness by the people to provide information.
The former Urhobo-born warlord said: “I had, in the past, led my followers into giving assistance to the army, which ultimately crippled renewed insurgency in Niger Delta, with most of my boys exposed to dangers occasioned by attacks from the people…’’
He stressed the army refused to fulfil agreements the coalition reached with it, including engaging youths in waterways security, protecting old and gas pipelines, and paying for jobs done.
Akpodoro called on security agencies to be more upright in the engagement of youths, saying except they changed from their “treacherous style,” it might be difficult for Nigerians to give information that could help in fighting high crimes.
The local population, the ex-agitator insisted, could provide more assistance in the battle against armed hostilities, if only security operatives were sincere.