Criminologists urge Tinubu to investigate and prosecute terrorists and financiers

The Nigeria Society of Criminology (NSC) has urged the federal government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to identify and prosecute individuals who are involved in or finance kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and other violent offenses across the country.

NSC President Professor Oludayo Tade made the statement to DAILY POST on Sunday.

In a declaration issued after the recently concluded 2026 international conference of the association, Tade called on Tinubu to intensify efforts to safeguard lives and property nationwide.

The conference was attended by NSC Board of Trustees Chairman Professor Etannibi Alemika, former President of the Canadian Sociological Association Professor Temitope Oriola, and other distinguished scholars.

Tade explained that the President’s first constitutional duty is to protect citizens’ lives and property. He argued that failure to fulfill this duty constitutes a failure of office.

He urged Tinubu to ensure that bandits, terrorists, and their collaborators are located and brought to justice promptly.

“As Commander‑in‑Chief of the Armed Forces, the President must safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensure that Nigerians can travel safely, free from the threat of abduction from schools or communities,” Tade said. “Their local collaborators, both within and outside government, must be identified and punished. The President must demonstrate the political will to secure Nigeria and its people.”

Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, keynote speaker and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development in Abuja, expressed concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation.

He stated that the government must act swiftly to address the problems facing the nation and must not neglect its responsibility to protect citizens’ lives and property.

“Nigeria is unraveling because of widespread insecurity, and some citizens believe that disintegration might be preferable to the current chaos. That option would only lead to greater disorder. The only viable path forward is for the Nigerian State to perform its duties, secure the country, and protect its citizens. Our first step must be to recognize that, despite everything, safeguarding Nigeria remains essential,” Ibrahim said.