The President of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Olalekan Olabulo, has highlighted recidivism as a major threat to the country’s ongoing fight against insecurity.

Speaking at the 2024 Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony organized by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) on December 5, 2024, in Ikeja, Lagos, Olabulo described recidivism as a “hydra-headed monster” that has become a significant concern for security agents across Nigeria.

Olabulo expressed his concerns about the growing issue of criminals and convicts returning to a life of crime after being arrested, prosecuted, and released from correctional facilities.

He said this cycle of reoffending serves as a stark reminder of a failing system and continues to embolden criminals while discouraging security operatives.

“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 targeted by criminals who have found their way out of correctional centres,” Olabulo remarked.

He went on to explain that recidivism has become a “cancer” within society, eating deep into the fabric of the nation and posing a ticking time bomb waiting to unleash its deadly consequences on collective security.

Despite the growing challenges, Olabulo commended the resilience of Nigeria’s security agents, recognizing their unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the face of significant threats.

“The time for rhetoric is over; it’s time for action,” Olabulo declared.

“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, 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.”

The call to action underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system to break the cycle of reoffending and enhance the safety of the nation.