In response to the increasing security threats across Nigeria, civil society organizations in Akwa Ibom State are calling on the public to assist security forces through active intelligence sharing. During the Akwa Ibom Unite Against Terror campaign, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, emphasized that terrorism is an indiscriminate threat that impacts everyone regardless of their background. He urged citizens to embrace the philosophy of reporting suspicious activity to prevent widespread harm.
Clifford Thomas, the convener of the Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community, encouraged communities to adopt local defense strategies rather than waiting for external intervention. Citing the 1999 Constitution, he reminded citizens that self-defense is a protected right. Thomas also advocated for the establishment of state policing and suggested that police commissioners should serve within their home regions to foster local accountability and stronger community relations.
Dr. Victor David of Vital Partners echoed these sentiments, noting that national security is a collective duty rather than solely a governmental one. He stressed the importance of maintaining national unity and ensuring that citizens can live, work, and participate in democracy without the fear of violence.