By Chukwuma Umeorah
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) have called for the institutionalisation of Early Warning and Early Response Systems (EWRS) to mitigate disasters and security threats in Nigeria.
The call was made during an awareness campaign with the Open Society Foundation (OSF) in Lagos. The organizations stressed the need for proactive measures to forestall socio-political crises and natural disasters, citing Nigeria’s rise in global violent conflicts and evolving security threats.
Citing the instance of Lakurawa terror group operating in the Northwest, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, represented by Programmes Manager Jimoh Abubakar, stressed the need for a comprehensive community-based approach to nipping security threat in the bud.
His words: “Armed groups often emerge from within communities. Community vigilance and the timely reporting of unusual activities, such as the influx of unfamiliar individuals or the movement of arms, to the appropriate authorities, are critical in mitigating potential threats. These groups do not exist in isolation but grow from within. Employing non-kinetic strategies, including dialogue and early intervention is a more effective way to address these issues and prevent escalation.”
“Early Warning and Early Response Systems (EWRS) is not only about curbing insecurity; it plays a significant role in averting socio-political crises, influencing policymaking, and fostering peacebuilding efforts that support national development.”
CISLAC also recommended advanced technology for data management, increasing funding for response agencies, and strengthening grassroots intelligence systems as a way of curbing the rising trend of terrorism.