CS-CRIN wants urgent reorganization of Nigeria’s defence architecture

By Adeola Ajakaiye.

Civil Society Organisation for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria (CS-CRIN), a non-governmental organization based in Kano, has called on the Federal Government to immediately embark on the re-organisation of the country’s military and security architecture as well as focus on a more coordinated management of the economy.

The NGO said the worsening economic situation in the country is a major factor fuelling insecurity.

Adeniyi Aremu, executive director of CS-CRIN, made the call while speaking to Business A.M. in Kano on the sidelines of a meeting between the group and peace advocates drawn from the 44 local government areas of the state.

Aremu said the recent kidnap threat on President Muhammadu Buhari and Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai issued by the terrorist group holding some passengers abducted on an Abuja-Kaduna train is a demonstration of the worsening security condition confronting the country.

He noted that one of the glaring implications of the worsening security situation is that it would scare investors away from the country, a development that could further compound the difficult economic situation already faced by individuals and businesses.

On the recent activities of CS-CRIN, which is involved in conflict management and prevention, Aremu disclosed that his group had recently organised an interfaith meeting with religious leaders in Kano State.

“Arrangement is also in the pipeline to organise a national peace summit that is expected to bring together stakeholders in the peace sector across all the states of the federation to deliberate on possible ways of managing rising conflict in the country,” Aremu said.

“We have also appointed 10 peace advocates in each of the 44 local government areas of Kano State. We have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kano command of the Nigeria Police with the aim of training the peace advocates in the area of community policing,” he said.

The executive director said during the meeting with the religious leaders they advised the Federal Government to focus on implementing effective policies to address joblessness in the country.

He said the meeting also urged the European Union to extend the Strengthening Community Engagement Towards Peace Building and Management in Kano State, Nigeria (SCEPAC Project), which the organisation is currently implementing, because of the tremendous impact it is having on peace building in the country.