Civil society groups on Friday in Kaduna State used Democracy Day to commend the nation's security agencies for their role in fighting terrorism and safeguarding democracy. They urged citizens to unite against insecurity through vigilance and cooperation.
Collective Responsibility Against Terror
The groups, Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization and Daruliman Daawah Project, made the call during separate events in Kaduna, insisting that the fight against terror requires collective responsibility rather than protests and divisions.
Speaking during a road walk attended by hundreds of youths, chairman of Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization, Comrade Daniel Ejembi, said Nigeria's democracy survived largely due to the sacrifices by Nigerian security agencies. He noted that despite enormous risks, members of the Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS), Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other agencies continue to protect citizens, critical infrastructure, and democratic institutions.
Appreciation for Sacrifices
Ejembi said the organization chose Democracy Day to publicly appreciate security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. He particularly commended the Armed Forces for ongoing operations against criminal elements, noting that many officers had paid the supreme price in defense of the nation.
The activist also praised the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, and the Service for intelligence-driven operations, rescue missions, and initiatives aimed at promoting education and peaceful coexistence. They commended the DGSS for securing convictions against terrorists who attacked the Owo Church in Ondo State and those who abducted school children at Papiri in Niger State.
He cited the recent donation of schools to Christian and Muslim communities in Chikun Local Government Area as examples of efforts to promote inclusiveness, interfaith harmony, and long-term security through education.
Recognition of Other Agencies
Ejembi further applauded the Nigeria Police Force for recent arrests of suspected kidnappers and successful rescue operations, while also recognizing the contributions of the NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in tackling crime and protecting critical national assets. He urged citizens to support security agencies through intelligence sharing, community vigilance, and unity, stressing that terrorism thrives in divided societies but loses where citizens work together.
Daruliman Daawah Project's Commendation
At a separate Democracy Day press conference held at Arewa House, Coordinator of Daruliman Daawah Project, Suleiman Abdulkareem Ameer, commended security agencies for their role in preserving peace, law, and order in Kaduna State and across the country. Ameer highlighted the professionalism of security agencies in law enforcement, crisis management, community engagement, and support for democratic processes.
He noted that security agencies are collaborating more with communities and cited educational interventions by the DSS in remote parts of Chikun LGA as evidence that security extends beyond the use of force. The group also praised Governor Uba Sani for supporting security operations in Kaduna State, particularly through the ongoing training of about 1,000 forest guards to complement conventional security structures.
Call to Reject Profiling
Both groups called on Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious profiling, insisting that criminality has no tribe or religion. They urged citizens to embrace the campaign to 'Unite Against Terror' by providing useful information to security agencies and supporting efforts aimed at building a peaceful and secure society.
