Following the rising rate in allegations of harassment, extortion, and extrajudicial killings of citizens by security operatives, the Federal Government has been urged to provide body cameras to be attached to officers and men of security agencies in Nigeria.
The House of Representatives made this called at the plenary on Thursday, noting that situation rooms should be created across the country to monitor activities of the law enforcement agencies with the aid of the body cameras.
A member, Chinedu Martins who moved the motion said the body cameras, will help checkmate cases of abuse of power and human rights.
He further urged the government at all levels to provide body cameras for all security operatives including Nigeria Customs Service on duty across the country.
Furthermore, the House mandated its Committees on Police Affairs; Army; and National Security and Intelligence to ensure compliance with the resolution.
The resolution was titled ‘Need to Provide Body-Worn Cameras for Security Operatives in the Country and Create a Situation Room.’
Moving the motion, Martins noted that the security of lives and properties of the citizens is a primary responsibility of the government.
Martins said, “The House is concerned about allegations of harassment, extortion, and extrajudicial killings of citizens by security operatives, which often results in reprisals and uprising by the citizens.
“The House is convinced that security operatives, who often experience litigious scrutiny over their conduct in the discharge of their duties, ought to wear body cameras in order to have picture and video evidence of their activities;
“The House is cognisant that the body cameras will keep the security operatives in check, considering the massive allegations of human rights violation by security operatives and lack of evidence to indict them.
“The House is also cognisant that the introduction of body cameras will not only douse tension and promote trust and professionalism among the security agencies but will also institutionalise the rules of engagement to foster a harmonious relationship between security operatives and the citizenry.”