Keynote speaker Barr Fred Olokor delivering his paper on the theme " Insecurity in Nigeria : Hope of the ordinary man" at this year's annual feast of Barracuda of the Xkravos Deck Anchor point - National Association of Seadogs,NAS ( Pyrates confraternity) in Warri, Delta state.

Worried by the spate of insecurity across the country, the Excravos deck of the National Association of Seadogs, NAS (Pyrates confraternity) Warri, Delta state chapter has impressed on all the tiers of government the need to step machinery in motion to contain the menace.

The body made this appeal during its annual feast of Barracuda recently.

Justifying the theme of this year’s event tagged: “Insecurity in Nigeria: Hope of the ordinary man,” the Deck Cap’n Engr Edema Bawo in his opening remarks said the theme was carefully chosen for the body to contribute meaningfully towards evolving an enduring solution to the ugly challenge.

Also speaking on the occasion, the keynote speaker, Fred Olokor Esq who is also a senior member of NAS, said it was unfortunate that the nation’s security situation had degenerated to the sad state, urging Nigerians to see security of lives and properties as a shared responsibility.

While urging government at all levels to take necessary steps to tackle challenges of poverty, corruption, weak judicial system and unemployment, Olokor advocated for a strong legislation to control population growth, which he also blamed for the sad situation.

A significant proportion of Nigeria’s population live below the poverty line, driving many young people to criminal activities or making them susceptible to recruitment by insurgents and criminal groups, he lamented.

Expatiating, Olokor said, “high unemployment rates, especially among youths, have exhausted many, leading them to engage in crime, just as unequal distribution of wealth among ethnic groups contributes to insecurity.”

He therefore called for adequate funding of security agencies in the country, including the military, stressing that Nigerians should stop being docile on matters of their security.

“Nigerians also need to “Reboot-Reset” and should come out from the cocoon of docility and agitate for reforms in the socio-political, economic and institutional sectors. Nigerians therefore have to work together to attain a stable and egalitarian society and also give the necessary push to powers that be to address the causes of insecurity aforementioned and also by way of remedy implement the suggested remedies to curb insecurity in Nigeria so that the ordinary man can have a sense of security in his home, village/town, state and the country,” he stressed.

He also called for strengthened policing, intelligence gathering, increased funding for police training, and equipment facelift.

Olokor who called for a reform in the area of military engagement noted that such efforts would help in promoting human rights, reduce civil-military tensions among security personnel just as the advanced training in intelligence gathering, innovation in terms of drone technology, surveillance techniques would get the officers and men better motivated to combat insurgency with vigour.

“Funds budgeted for arms purchase should be fully released and used for the intended purpose. Security agencies should pay more attention to early warning signs and prioritise intelligence gathering and the sharing of intelligence reports with other security agencies.”