The Godspeed Leadership and Mentorship Development Initiative (GLEMDI) has called on the Federal Government to revitalise and fund the Man O’ War for intelligence gathering to support the fight against insecurity.
Mr Habila Kayit, Executive Director, GLEMDI, made the call in a statement on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Man O’ War Nigeria is a paramilitary organisation established by the Federal Government through the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre Act as empowered by its enabling ordinance.
According to Kayit, the call is imperative because collective effort is required to tackle the insecurity being experienced in Nigeria.
“Citizens must be deliberate in assisting the government to achieve one of its most important responsibilities which is protection of lives and properties.
“Therefore, it is within the power of President Bola Tinubu to explore the diverse options available in community policing to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.
“There is a need to harmonise efforts driven by communities, individuals and groups in the fight against insecurity within their locality.
“The vigilante groups and hunters association have been fantastic, however, empowering them through a formal training in the Man O’ War leadership camps with a specific target to improve information and intelligence gathering will help greatly,” he said.
Kayit also called on the incoming Minister of Youth, Mr Abubakar Momoh, to, as a matter of urgency, revive the Man O’ War and drive initiatives that would enhance synergy with other relevant agencies.
He said there was no better time to foster communal harmonious living, advance peaceful coexistence and mutual respect to enable sustainable development than now.
“The Man O’ War remains a potential reserve and volunteers for all the security agencies to tap for information, intelligence gathering and assist in maintaining law and order.
“It is also a tool for rescue and emergency services in communities, so its operations, if strengthened, can help in the fight against insecurity and much more.
“However, the need for stakeholder’s engagement and improved budgetary allocation for the Man O’ War services cannot be overemphasised,” Kayit said.
Kayit said that reviving the activities of the Man O’ War would help the administration to achieve set goals as well as provide employment for youths to curb social vices.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria