Lagos, Nigeria – The persistent wave of terrorism and kidnapping for ransom could significantly influence voter behaviour in the 2027 general elections, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has warned.
Speaking in Lagos on Friday, CDHR president Debo Adeniran said many Nigerians remain deeply concerned about insecurity despite ongoing government and security agency efforts. Public perception of the government’s performance on safety, he noted, may prove decisive at the polls.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the security and welfare of the people,” Mr Adeniran said. “When people feel unsafe, their confidence in government erodes.”
He explained that insecurity has continued to disrupt livelihoods, limit movement and heighten public anxiety, demanding more effective measures to protect lives and property.
Proactive strategy urged
Mr Adeniran called for the recruitment of additional security personnel, including properly trained forest rangers to secure remote hideouts used by kidnappers and bandits. He urged security agencies to adopt proactive, intelligence-driven operations rather than relying largely on reactive measures.
“Security agencies should be equipped with advanced surveillance systems to prevent crimes before they occur,” he said.
He also advocated for the establishment of state police and stronger support for vigilante groups operating under government regulation, arguing that decentralised policing would enable quicker local responses.
Border control and welfare
The activist stressed the need to secure Nigeria’s borders against the influx of illegal arms, which has fuelled violent crime. He called for increased international cooperation to disrupt criminal supply chains, as well as better welfare packages to reduce corruption and boost professionalism among security operatives.
Mr Adeniran expressed optimism that visible progress could restore citizens’ confidence before the next elections.
“If government demonstrates greater commitment and delivers visible results, public confidence will improve ahead of 2027,” he said. He warned that public expectations will continue to rise, and effective security reforms would strengthen both democracy and national stability.
(NAN)