Accountability in the context of security operatives, especially regarding incidents like wanton shootings, is a cornerstone of democratic governance and public trust.
It ensures that those entrusted with the use of force act within legal and ethical boundaries, and that violations are addressed transparently and justly.
As C-Advocate makes this inquisition we reflect on what would have been the outcome for Emma, a taxi driver, who escaped death at the hands of an army officer for not having money to offer to the officer.
On the quiet evening of April 3rd, 2025, at around 8:02 pm, Chukwuma Nwaoha Roundabout in Owerri became the stage of a haunting incident that could have claimed the life of a young Nigerian, not at the hands of criminals but those sworn to protect him.
Concerned Nigerians have wondered what Emma’s fate would have been at the hands of the trigger-hungry army officer.
C-Advocate therefore takes our readers through this journey to ascertain the level of accountability available in Nigeria for security operatives who ‘wield the sword’.
Within security agencies, internal control and oversight mechanisms play a crucial role. These include supervision, monitoring, and a clear chain of command.
Such structures enable tracing responsibility for actions or omissions, ensuring that not only the officer directly involved but also supervisors who failed to prevent or condoned the act can be held accountable.
External oversight is provided by independent institutions such as parliamentary committees, judicial bodies, and specialized oversight boards.
These entities review the conduct of security operatives, investigate complaints, and recommend sanctions or reforms.
Their independence is vital to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure impartiality in investigating incidents like wanton shootings.
The judiciary serves as a critical avenue for redress. Victims or their families can seek justice through courts, which have the authority to adjudicate cases of unlawful shootings, order compensation, or impose criminal penalties on offenders.
Courts also interpret the legality of security operations and ensure adherence to constitutional and human rights standards.
Many countries have, however, established independent commissions or ombudsman offices specifically tasked with investigating complaints against security operatives.
These bodies often have the power to conduct inquiries, summon witnesses, and make binding recommendations. Their findings can lead to disciplinary action, policy changes, or criminal prosecution.
Civil society organizations and the media play a watchdog role, bringing public attention to abuses and advocating for accountability.
They often support victims in navigating complaint mechanisms and can pressure authorities to act on cases of wanton shootings through advocacy and public campaigns.
International bodies, such as the European Court of Human Rights, set standards for the use of force and provide avenues for redress when domestic mechanisms fail.
These institutions reinforce the obligation of states to investigate, prosecute, and prevent abuses by security operatives.
Key principles underpinning accountability include necessity, proportionality, transparency, and continuous independent oversight.
Security operatives must act within their legal duties, justify their actions, maintain detailed records, and be subject to ongoing scrutiny to prevent and address abuses.
Despite these mechanisms, challenges persist. Secrecy, lack of political will, inadequate resources, and institutional resistance can hinder effective accountability.
Informal or inappropriate mechanisms may sometimes substitute for formal public accountability, undermining trust and justice.
Ultimately, holding security operatives accountable for wanton shootings requires a multi-layered approach involving internal discipline, independent oversight, judicial review, civil society engagement, and adherence to international standards.
Only through such comprehensive mechanisms can public confidence in security institutions be maintained and the rights of citizens protected.