By Ebinum Samuel
The President of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Olalekan Olabulo Thursday identified recidivism as a major threat to the fight against insecurity.
In his opening address at the 2024 annual lecture and award ceremony of the association in Ikaja, Lagos, Olabulo said recidivism which he described as a hydra-headed monster has become a significant source of concern for security agents in Nigeria.
He said the fact that criminals and convicts are recycled, returning to a life of crime after being arrested and prosecuted, is a stark reminder of a failing system.
According to him, “this has not only emboldened criminals but also discouraged security operatives, exposing them to grave dangers from unrepentant criminals. Many security agents have paid the ultimate price, killed, and others injured, after being identified by criminals who found their early out of correctional centres.”
“These criminals mobilised and attacked security operatives, who unknowingly found themselves in the midst of the criminal fray.”
Olabulo noted that the scourge Of recidivism has become a cancer, eating deep into the fabric of society. “It’s a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash its deadly consequences on our collective security.”
“Despite the discouragement, our security agents remain resolute, committed to their duties, and deserving of our commendation”, he added.
“The time for rhetoric is over; it’s time for action. We need to support our security agents, provide them with the necessary resources and protection to do their jobs effectively. We also need to reform our justice system system, make it more responsive to the needs of our society, and ensure that criminals are held accountable for their actions. The era of recycling criminals must end; it’s time to put an end to recidivism.”