UNICAL Vice Chancellor Calls for Stronger Action Against Rising Insecurity in Nigeria

(UNICAL. Photo by TheCable)

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, UNICAL, Prof. Offiong Efanga Offiong, has called for drastic and sustained measures to address the growing insecurity across Nigeria, describing it as a critical national challenge that must be confronted head-on if the country is to achieve meaningful development.

He made this known during the 2nd International Hybrid Conference 2026, organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences under the theme “Insecurity and National Development: Is the Nigerian State at a crossroad?” He was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Linkages and Collaborations, Prof. Anthony Eneji.

Offiong stressed that national development cannot thrive where lives and property are not secure, and urged government, institutions, and citizens to adopt bold strategies that address both immediate threats and their root causes.

He disclosed that UNICAL has positioned itself as a hub for research, training, and policy advice on contemporary security issues, with its Department of Criminology and Security Studies producing graduates equipped with modern knowledge in crime prevention, intelligence analysis, and conflict management.

He added that the university remains open to collaboration with security agencies at all levels to bridge the gap between academia and practice, helping translate research findings into practical tools for intelligence gathering, threat assessment, and community engagement.

Cross River State Commissioner of Police and Conference Chairman, CP Rashid Afegbua, called for proactive and technology-driven policing strategies to effectively tackle security challenges.

He recommended the establishment of a dedicated state cybercrime and digital evidence unit to investigate digital offences and support intelligence-led operations, and urged security agencies to prioritise regular training of officers in digital evidence collection, preservation, and analysis.

CP Afegbua also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration and intelligence sharing among security agencies, while stressing that sustainable security ultimately requires collective responsibility from government, institutions, and citizens alike.