CSLS Urges Technology Driven Security Reforms to Tackle Insecurity
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
The Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS) on Tuesday called for the adoption of technology driven security measures to tackle kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes, saying Nigeria’s response to insecurity must move beyond conventional policing.
Speaking at the grand finale of the Centre’s 20th anniversary in Abuja, the President of CSLS, Prof. Yemi Akinseye George, SAN, said technology, intelligence gathering, financial surveillance and community participation should form the foundation of the country’s security strategy.
“Technology must become a central pillar of our national security architecture,” he said.
Akinseye-George urged the Federal Government to invest in drones, surveillance systems and integrated electronic monitoring to improve intelligence gathering and emergency response. He also proposed a nationwide revalidation of vehicle, motorcycle and tricycle registrations linked to the National Identity Management System and verified telephone records, as well as the installation of CCTV cameras at filling stations and other strategic public facilities.
He also called for stricter enforcement of anti money laundering laws to disrupt ransom payments and criminal financing. In addition, he advocated a whistleblower programme for terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, with legal protection and incentives for citizens whose information leads to the arrest and prosecution of offenders. He said sustained investment in education, youth empowerment, sports development and job creation was essential to addressing the conditions that fuel crime.
On the debate over state police, Akinseye George said policing reforms alone would not resolve the country’s security challenges.
“Unless accompanied by effective governance, accountability, technological innovation, community participation and adequate funding, simply increasing the number of armed personnel may unintentionally create new opportunities for abuse, intimidation and insecurity,” he said.
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Ade Ipaye, said the Centre’s anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on its impact and the relevance of its mission. He noted that CSLS was established at a time when Nigeria faced institutional weaknesses, delays in the administration of justice, inadequate accountability mechanisms and declining public confidence in the rule of law.
“By combining rigorous scholarship with practical engagement, the Centre has consistently contributed to strengthening the administration of justice, promoting accountability and advancing the rule of law,” Osinbajo said. He added that “laws, however well drafted, do not by themselves transform societies. Institutions must be strengthened, legal frameworks must be effectively implemented and reforms must be sustained through continuous engagement and collaboration.”
Other highlights of the celebration included a special anniversary lecture on criminal justice, human rights and accountability, the unveiling of a commemorative magazine, the launch of the Centre’s website and the presentation of Media Partner Recognition Awards. Honourees included the Publisher of Daily Metro News NG, Mr. Adebayo Ayodeji Harry; the Editor of Daily Metro News, Dr. Nafisat Makinde; Eric Ikhilae of The Nation; Alex Enumah of ThisDay; Francis Okore of Arise News; Augustine Chizoba of AIT; and other journalists recognised for their contributions to criminal justice reporting.
The event attracted judicial officers, senior advocates, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in the justice sector, who renewed calls for sustained reforms to strengthen the administration of justice in Nigeria.