A Potential Untapped: Tales of Unused Citizens' Information to Combat All Forms of Terrorism

By John OLLA - Act Hub Africa - Acthub for Sustainable Development Foundation

Introduction:

In recent years, Nigeria has suffered from an increase in kidnappings, terrorism and banditry. These security challenges have left many citizens in a constant state of fear and anxiety, especially the recent spate in the federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The Nigerian government has a wealth of national data, including National Identification Numbers (NINs), Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), SIM registrations, and driving licenses. These databases can serve as effective tools in the fight against terrorism.

However, their underutilization raises serious questions about the government's efforts to combat insecurity in the country.

The Data Goldmine

National Identification Number (NIN): The introduction of the National Identification Number (NIN) was an important step towards the creation of a comprehensive database of Nigerian citizens. This unique identifier associates an individual with their biometric information and provides a robust means of identification. It was even claimed to be a better and more inclusive version of BVN. Despite the intention around the innovation the question arises: Why has this information not been used effectively to track, trail and prosecute terrorists?

Bank Verification Number (BVN):? To curb financial crime, the BVN system in place has become a rich source of data that connects individuals to their bank accounts. Given the frequently reported involvement of illicit funds in terrorism, one would expect the government to use her BVN system for intelligence purposes. Are these measures being used to their full potential or are they just symbolic measures?

SIM Registration: Mandatory registration of SIM cards provides another level of identity to citizens. In a world where communications are a key element in terrorist activities, the ability to track individuals through their SIM cards could be a game-changer. However, the apparent lack of proactive measures to use this data is questionable. It is an elaboration of the obvious among Nigerians living in the? urban areas that this SIM registration data are often being used to track, trail and arrest mobile phone theft.

Driving License: The Driving License not only confirms your ability to drive a vehicle, but also serves as an additional form of identification and should have contributed to the development of big data for national planning because a thorough background check and collections are required for the issuance and renewal of driver's licenses.

More question could be: Could this data be used more strategically to proactively detect and neutralize potential highway kidnapping?

A Comparative Analysis

The Swiftness in Urban Crime Investigations: It is impossible to ignore the stark contrast between law enforcement's swift action in tracking down and arresting cell phone thieves in metropolitan areas and the seemingly slow response to terrorism. The questions that need answers are: Why don't governments apply the same level of efficiency and urgency to the fight against terrorism, especially given the vast amounts of data at their disposal?

Lack of cooperation between government agencies: Terrorism The effectiveness of using national data to combat terrorism depends on smooth cooperation between various government agencies. Are these institutions sharing information effectively, or is a lack of synergy undermining the potential of data repositories?

Political Will and Resource Allocation: Governments The question of readiness to combat insecurity in this sense depends on political will and resource allocation.

Is there sufficient investment in technology, training, and coordination across security agencies to harness the power of available data?

Ethical Considerations and Privacy Concerns: For National Security Although the use of national data is a compelling proposition, it is important to consider ethical considerations and privacy concerns. Finding a balance between protecting individual privacy rights and ensuring national security is a delicate task that requires careful attention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the untapped potential of public intelligence in counter-terrorism in Nigeria raises serious doubts about the government's approach to combating insecurity. National identification numbers, bank identification numbers, SIM registrations, and driver's licenses are powerful tools that, when used effectively, can transform the national security landscape.

Governments need to address the stark differences in approaches to different forms of crime and foster interdepartmental cooperation, political will and resource allocation. To develop a robust and ethical counterterrorism strategy, it is important to strike the right balance between security needs and individual privacy.