Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Foundation for Ethical Society and Cultural Awareness (FESCA) has called on the Federal Government to establish special courts to speed up the prosecution of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism cases across Nigeria.
The organisation said the worsening security situation requires urgent legal and institutional reforms to restore public confidence and improve the country’s security response.
In a statement issued on Sunday by member Nosa Osaikhuiwu, the group advocated tougher penalties for convicted kidnappers, terrorists and bandits, including the death penalty were permitted by law.
“Individuals convicted under such laws should face the maximum penalties prescribed by law. Persons found to have aided, harboured, financed or concealed information relating to terrorists and kidnappers should also be liable to prosecution,” the statement said.
FESCA argued that many Nigerians have become increasingly concerned about the government’s ability to protect lives and property amid persistent attacks by armed groups.
The organisation urged the government to establish special tribunals or designated courts to accelerate terrorism-related prosecutions.
It also proposed the creation of a one million-member civilian intelligence network funded through a security levy on individuals and companies.
According to the group, members of the network would serve as community intelligence gatherers, providing information to security agencies from their local areas.
FESCA said intelligence gathering should receive greater attention alongside investments in military hardware.
The organisation also recommended the creation of community self-defence units operating under military supervision to support vulnerable communities facing attacks.
Among other proposals, the group called for comprehensive national security databases containing biometric records, a central criminal records system and an integrated intelligence platform accessible to authorised agencies.
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Korede Abdullah 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 