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October 2020

 

The Need for Anti-Terrorist Agency of Nigeria (ATAN)

By Dr Baba J Adamu

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Government and people all over the world are trying to find a solution to terrorism. The authorities are trying to crush the terror menace through legal action; western powers are trying to crush it through warfare; however, these methods are proving ineffective. According to Maulana Khan, the present problem of terrorism is based on an ideology and an ideology cannot be countered or killed through military, legal action or by mere condemnation alone but also through dialogue and development of a counter-ideology to overcome it. Nigeria’s strength has always been in its diversity with constructive dialogue elected to bring people together, not to set them against one another and strong because of their differences, not in spite of them. As one entity, people are strengthened in many ways by their shared experiences, by the diversity that inspires both friends and foes alike and by the way they treat each other not the way they attack each other. Because it is both the right thing to do and a certain path to economic development, growth, peaceful coexistence and respect for one another, which has always, been the bottom-line: the relationship between all northern and southern ethnic tribes both Muslims and Christians, one based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership, building a vibrant and tolerant democracy with accountable leadership to the people. Among other measures, it is hoped that the Federal Government will work co-operatively with all stakeholders toward the Promise of One Nigeria, a Framework for every community; to re-launch peaceful coexistence strategy, provide quality education and make it easier for everyone to build successful lives and contribute to the economic success of all Nigerians at large while using technology in an algorithmic surveillance system to monitor mobile platforms as well as to create a Social Credit System (SCS) to provide a peaceful and prosperous communities.

 

Finally, following the anti-terrorism resolutions passed by the United Nations and international conventions; and landmark UN Resolution on terrorism passed with sanctions against a government accused of terrorism in 1992, nations should uphold those resolutions, agreed upon by the majority of nations, and work together to counter the threat of terrorism by creating an Anti-Terrorism Agency.

 

RECOMMENDATION

1.      Create an Anti-Terrorist Agency of Nigeria (ATAN)

ANTI - TERRORISTS ACT OF 2020

Anti-Terrorist Agency of Nigeria (ATAN) seeks to establish a unifying core for the vast national network of security agencies, organizations and institutions involved in the efforts to secure and protect our nation, and to anticipate, pre-empt and deter threats of terrorism in Nigeria and elsewhere whenever possible, with the ability to respond quickly when such threats do materialize. The Agency will work to prevent the loss of sensitive information that would result in damage to Nigerian National Security and economic well-being. ATAN will contribute to the collective work of other Nigerian Security Agencies and form partnerships with other international organizations, and will among others:

  • Investigate suspected individuals and organizations and groups to obtain, collate, analyze, profile and assess secret intelligence relating to the threats of terrorism;

  • Gather intelligence and manage information effectively and timely;

  • Frustrate terrorism and build resilience to radicalization and brainwashing;

  • Act as a counter-terrorism body: Investigate sources of threats, funds  and compile evidence that will enable it to bring suspects to justice through the Ministry of Justice;

  • Advise the Government and others of the threats and advises on the appropriate response, including protective security measures;

  • Manage and coordinate the mass evolving algorithmic surveillance system to filter, collect, and analyze staggering volumes of data flowing across the internet and mobile platforms as well as to create a Social Credit System (SCS) to pre-empt and curtail the scourges of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings etc.;

  • Assist other agencies, organizations and other Government Security Agencies in combating the scourge.


BOKO HARAM TERRORISM/INSURGENCY, RAMPANT KIDNAPPINGS, ARMED BANDITRY, COMMUNAL & RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE, HERDSMEN/FARMERS CRISES, DRUGS AND ARMS IMPORTATION, POVERTY & ILLITERACY, JOBLESSNESS & DESPAIR, LACK OF WOMEN & YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION.

THIS REPORT HAS BEEN COMPILED BY ACRD RESEARCH UNIT

UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF DR. BABA J ADAMU, PhD

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Humanity stands at a defining moment in history and the north is at a crossroad. We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between us as a nation and within us as eloquently put, “Yan Arewa” meaning northerners. We have a worsening situation of poverty, hunger, ill health, despair & hopelessness and illiteracy, including problems of Boko Haram terrorism/insurgency, which led to hike in the population of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), influx of small arms and dangerous weapons through ports and porous borders, incessant and senseless killings and kidnappings, armed youths banditry, communal & religious violence, herdsmen/farmers crises, drug abuse by youths and young women including the issue of social exclusion of many citizens, to name a few. There is also the continuing deterioration of the ecosystems on which we depend on for our well-being. However, integration of economic development concerns and the environment using the “Peace Building from below” pragmatic approach taking into account local input and resources; and greater attention to them in a sustainable concerted manner will lead to the fulfillment of basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a safer, secured, more prosperous future. No state can achieve this on its own; but together we can - in a global partnership and collaboration for sustainable development.

Click to Download the entire REPORT (pdf) Now>.

 

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