The President of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, CRAN, Olalekan Olabulo has identified recidivism as a major threat to the fight against insecurity.

According to Olabulo, recidivism which he described as a hydra-headed monster has become a significant source of concern for security agents in Nigeria.

Olabulo said this in his opening address at the 2024 annual lecture and award ceremony of the association in Ikaja, Lagos.

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.

In his words, many security agents have paid the ultimate price, killed, and others injured, after being identified by criminals who found their way out of correctional centres.

Olabulo said the 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, saying it is a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash its deadly consequences on our collective security.

According to him, despite the discouragement, security agents remain resolute, committed to their duties, and deserving of commendation.

For the CRAN President, the time for rhetoric is over, it is time for action, so everyone need to support the security agents, by providing them with the necessary resources and protection to do their jobs effectively.

He called for the reformation of justice system to be responsive to the needs of the society, and ensure criminals are held accountable for their actions, saying the era of recycling criminals must end; it is time to put an end to recidivism.