Insecurity: Experts task Nigerians on combat, intelligence training

WORRIED by insecurity challenges in the country, a retired Deputy Controller General of Nigerian Immigration Service, Dr. Emmanuel Ifeadi, has tasked government at all levels and the private sector on self- defence programmes for citizens.

He said such programmes would help people defend themselves when under attack from kidnappers or other criminal elements without presence of security agencies to rescue them.

Ifeadi, a seventh DAN Black belt and President of Shotokan Karate Do International Nigeria ( SKI- N), said since the Federal government has not yet allowed Nigerians to carry arms, there is need for citizens to be trained on defensive mechanisms and combat approach to overcome any attack when confronted with unexpected occurrence anywhere they find themselves.

According to him, if people learn defensive mechanisms it will complement the Police and other security agencies and assist in reducing crime to a reasonable level.

While praising the military for assisting to combat crimes in the country, Ifeadi said: “Government must start introducing all forms of combat and martial art exercises, physical self defence techinques and military training in

schools to enable our youths learn the act of defending themselves from criminals at early stage of their lives.

“The global trend, including Nigeria, is that people kill, kidnap and commit all forms of crimes without seeing any issues with the horrific act. This evil act can even involve your friends or relatives coming against you for selfish and greedy reasons.

In this regard, it is important that Nigerians start learning how to defend themselves by undergoing combat, self- defence intelligence routines with well guided disciplinary measures to apply when in danger and not to attack fellow innocent citizens.

“Although It is not advisable for someone to attack a person with a gun, there are

martial arts and defensive techniques that can be taught to disarm criminals when there is a slight loss of concentration by the attackers, this would enable a person being attacked to survive or escape death.”

Dr. Ifeadi, who is also the chairman, Board of Trustees & Director International coordinator, Conflict Resolution and Migration Awareness Initiative ( CRAMAI), a non governmental organisation , stressed the need to educate people on dangers of illegal migration.