By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
Human activities which include desertification, deforestation and other elements of climate change are major drivers of poverty, crimes and insecurity generally, the Inspector General of Police Usman Baba Alkali has observed.
Noting that there is a strong connection between climate change and internal security, the police boss assured the nation that the Force remains committed to deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in tackling crimes and criminality towards boosting public safety, public health and security in the country.
The IGP made the observation Tuesday, during the flag-off of the One – Nigerian – One – Tree, National Tree Planting Initiative, in the Federal capital Territory, Abuja.
Specifically, Usman noted that the intense rivalry and competition for natural resources between farmers and herders occasioned by climate change is at the root of some of the violent clashes, not only in Nigeria, but across the sub-Sahara and the Sahel region. He therefore commended the organizers of the program, the Greater Nigeria Initiative, and expressed his belief that the initiative, which constitute one of the non-kinetic approaches of the Force in combating crime, would assist the Force in proactively responding and addressing the increasingly broadened and complex security threats in the country. While pledging the commitment of the Force to the Twenty-Five Million Tree Planting Initiative of the Federal Government, Usman assured that the exercise would be replicated across all zonal and state commands towards addressing the alarming deforestation challenges occasioned by climate change, building an eco-friendly environment for peaceful co-existence among the citizens and enhancing national security.
This was contained in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer CP Frank Mba, made available to journalists on Tuesday. Other Dignitaries and Guests at the programme include the representatives of the Honourable Ministers of Police Affairs, Environment and the Federal Capital Territory, respectively, Members of the Force Management Team, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Zone-7 Headquarters, Abuja, The Commissioner of Police FCT Command, the Sa-peyi of Garki, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Usman Nga Kupi, Officials of Greater Nigeria Initiative, Staff and Students of Government Junior Secondary School, Apo, amongst others.
