Umaru Shinkafi Legacy Foundation holds second Shinkafi Security and intelligence Summit in Abuja
The Umaru Shinkafi Legacy Foundation was established in honour of Late Umaru Aliyu Shinkafi. Amongst other humanitarian objectives, it holds an annual security summit which provides a platform for stakeholders across all spheres of National Security.
The second Shinkafi Intelligence and Security Summit held on 13th July 2021, with the Theme: Socio-Economic Implications of Kidnapping and Banditry in Nigeria.
Welcoming the participants, Chief Coordinator of the Umaru Shinkafi Legacy Foundation and former Governor of Zamfara state, Mamuda Aliyu Shinkafi said that the choice of the theme and topics of discussion is apt and timely in light of the ideas of the Late Marafa.
He prayed for a beneficial deliberation and announced that submissions will be forwarded to relevant authorities.
The Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli who addressed the gathering virtually described Shinkafi as a man of impeccable character and commended the organizers of the event.
The first session had interesting discussions with the Governor of Imo state, H.E Hope Odidika Uzodinma, the Governor of Borno State, Prof Umara Zulum, The Director-General DSS, Alh Yusuf Magaji Bichi (represented), Social Activist Mr Segun Awosanya and Hajiya Zahrau Idris, a psychological specialist as the panellists.
Prof Umara Zulum hinted that lack of access to education, health care, basic amenities, and food are tools that promote insecurity. He mentioned that the inequality between elites and poor people are contributory factors that heighten insecurity.
The second panel session engaged the Governor of Zamfara state, Dr Bello Matawalle, the Governor of Niger state, Abubakar Sani Bello, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami SAN, DG NARSDA Dr Halilu Shaba, represented by Dr Rakiya, Dr Maymunah Kadiri and Barr Audu Bulama Bukarti.
In his remarks, the Chief host, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, governor of Kebbi State, described the late Marafa as a man whose politics promoted the unity of the country. He said that the pervasive effect of banditry and the secessionist agitations are threatening National unity. He added that they are an indication of system decays.
In her votes of thanks, the First Lady of Kebbi state and the First Daughter of the late Marafa, Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu described her Father as a mentor a father and a grandfather to many. She added that the 5 years that he’s been gone have been trying both as a family and as a nation.
The following are the recommendations made at the summit on tackling banditry and kidnapping:
1. Enactment of harmonized kidnapping laws in the country with stiffer penalties for kidnap related offences.
2. Enhancement of the capabilities and capacities of law enforcement agencies towards maintaining well motivated and equipped security forces to tackle the menace.
3. Eliminating/reducing judicial bottle-necks to enable speedy trial.
4. Sensitization of members of the public on preventive and reactive measures against kidnapping/banditry
5. Stringent border patrols to checkmate the proliferation of illegal weapons and curb the menace of kidnapping and banditry across the country
6. Community policing should be encouraged across the country
7. Monarchs, Community leaders, village heads and other influential individuals should be involved in the identification of strange or unfamiliar/suspicious elements in their communities
8. Reward should also be designed for genuine whistleblowers
9. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) should be advised to initiate an aggressive sensitization campaign against the menace.
