By joshua 
Former Edo Guber Aspirant, Okoukoni Advocates Joint Action To Tackle Insecurity Across Nigeria
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
Former Labour Party,LP, Governorship Aspirant in Edo State, Martins Azekhumen Okoukoni, has called for a deeper collaboration between federal security agencies, state actors, traditional institutions, and local vigilante groups to tackle the current security situation ravaging the country.
In an Open Letter to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Okoukoni stated that the killings in Jos and other affected areas must mark a turning point, not another cycle of condemnation without lasting solutions.
The open letter reads:
“I write to you, Mr President, with a deep sense of urgency and responsibility regarding the escalating insecurity across Nigeria, particularly the recent tragic killings in Jos and other parts of the country where innocent citizens continue to lose their lives to unknown armed groups.
“These repeated incidents are not just statistics; they represent families destroyed, communities destabilised, and a growing loss of confidence in the ability of the state to protect its citizens.
“Mr. President, the primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property. While efforts have been made by security agencies, the persistence and spread of these attacks clearly indicate that our current security architecture requires urgent strengthening, innovation, and strategic reform. Nigeria’s security challenges have evolved, and so must our response”.
On his key recommendations for Immediate and Strategic Action, Okoukoni suggested the strengthening of Intelligence and Community-Based Security.
“There must be deeper collaboration between federal security agencies, state actors, traditional institutions, and local vigilante groups. Communities often have firsthand intelligence that, if properly harnessed, can prevent attacks before they occur.”
He also suggested the need for the deployment of Advanced Security Technology, which Nigeria must urgently invest in, including Surveillance cameras across high-risk zones.
“Drone technology for aerial monitoring of forests and rural areas, Data-driven intelligence systems for tracking criminal movement, Modern insecurity requires modern solutions, and technology must become a central pillar of national security strategy”.
He also suggested a decentralised and Rapid Response Security Framework, adding that the current centralised structure limits rapid response.
“Empowering state-level security coordination, with clear oversight, will improve response times and operational effectiveness in affected regions.
“Your Excellency, Sir, there is a need for a review of the legal framework on Citizen Self-Defence, while it is time to open a national conversation on controlled and regulated self-defence mechanisms.
“In areas where communities are repeatedly attacked, and security presence is limited, citizens are left vulnerable.
“Therefore, a carefully designed, strictly regulated framework for civilian self-defence, including licensed firearm ownership under stringent conditions, may serve as a deterrent against continuous attacks.
“This must not be approached recklessly, but rather through strict background checks, mandatory training and certification, Controlled distribution and monitoring systems.
“The goal is not to militarise society, but to ensure that law-abiding citizens are not left completely defenceless”.
On Security Sector Support and Welfare, he said, Security personnel must be better equipped, better trained, and better motivated.
“This includes: Improved welfare and insurance, Modern equipment and logistics, as well as Enhanced coordination across agencies.
“It is clear that security forces cannot do this alone without systemic support and reform”.
A Call for Urgent National Action, Mr. President, the continued loss of Nigerian lives is unacceptable. Every delay in decisive action deepens the crisis and erodes public trust. Nigeria must move from reactive responses to proactive, intelligence-led, and citizen-inclusive security strategies.
“The killings in Jos and other affected areas must mark a turning point, not another cycle of condemnation without lasting solutions.
“Mr President, your leadership at this critical time must reflect courage, innovation, and a willingness to take necessary decisions in the interest of national survival. Nigeria can overcome these challenges, but only through decisive leadership, strategic reform, and collective responsibility.
“I remain committed, as always, to advocating for policies and actions that prioritise the safety, dignity, and future of all Nigerians,” he declared.