As insecurity continues to ravage the country, a security expert, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu has advised communities to be vigilant as a first step towards a secured environment.
He pointed out that vigilance as aaginst guns should be the priority, pointing out that most attacks do not happen suddenly, and many at times the warning signs appear early .
Adamu stressed that security is not a night-time duty alone, as crime grows during the day and explodes at night.
He enjoined communities ravaged by insecurity to pay attention to day time, the moral upbringing of our children, Youth engagement, schools, religious centres, and homes, stressing “When the day is properly managed, the night becomes safer.”
Here are other Security recommendations for communities battling insecurity and even those not yet affected.
1. Security begins with vigilance, not guns
Most attacks do not happen suddenly; warning signs usually appear early.
Communities must adopt a simple rule: “If you see something, say something.”
Examples include: Suspicious movements at night, Secretive or unusual gatherings and Sudden behavioural changes among youths.
Whenever such signs are noticed, they should be reported calmly and responsibly—not through confrontation.
2. An idle youth is a risk, not a criminal.
It is wrong to label youths as problems; the real problem is unemployment and idleness.
Security efforts must be linked with: Vocational skills acquisition, Volunteer and community service,
and Small-scale business support.
He pointed out that a youth who is meaningfully engaged rarely has time for crime.
3. Parents who do not ask questions create future problems
If parents do not know: Where their children are, Who they associate with, how they use their phones and social media, then parental responsibility has already failed.
Asking questions is not intrusion; it is care and protection.
4. Never underestimate the role of women in community security
Women often notice what men overlook, against this background, they must be actively included in:
Community security committees, Intelligence and information sharing, and Monitoring of visitors and new residents.
A community that ignores women has already weakened half of its security structure.
5. A visitor is not an enemy—but negligence is dangerous.
Religion teaches hospitality, but wisdom demands verification.
Every new resident should be properly known: Origin, Occupation, and Who introduced them.
This is not harassment; it is preventive security.
6. Rumours are weapons in the hands of criminals.
False information spreads fear faster than weapons.
So every community must adopt this rule: “Do not spread information until it is verified.”
Anyone who spreads rumours unknowingly assists criminals.
7. Religion should heal hearts, not ignite violence.
All religions exist to protect human life.
Religious leaders must: Preach patience and respect for the law, discourage revenge and Constantly remind people of the sanctity of human life.
Any religion used to justify violence has been deliberately misrepresented.
8. Security is not a night-time duty alone.
Crime grows during the day and explodes at night.
Attention must be paid to: daytime moral upbringing, Youth engagement, schools, religious centres, and homes. When the day is properly managed, the night becomes safer.
9. Silence is complicity
Anyone who knows the truth and remains silent empowers crime.
Timely reporting saves lives—it is not betrayal.
10. Prayer plus action equals real security.
We must not rely on prayers alone, nor work while forgetting God.
True security comes from: Planning, Knowledge, Action and trust in God.
Final Message:
A community that works together, cares for its children, speaks the truth on time, and respects the law will never become a safe haven for criminals or terrorists.
AMB Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu
Security Affairs Analyst.