Nigeria’s security challenge requires “Octopus” solution, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi has said.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the opening of a two-day seminar on promoting interagency collaboration for heads of security agencies in Anambra, Borno, Enugu, Imo and Sokoto
He said: “The prevailing asymmetric warfare bedeviling the nation requires on octopus’ solution in mitigating the myriads of security threats targeted at Nigerians,
Residents and Public assets. The reality calls for a continuous evaluation of security strategies that can pull resources and expertise together in tackling this menace.”
He noted that: “This seminar for heads of security is one that fit into such strategy as it is aimed at ensuring seamless synergy among security stakeholders in Nigeria. It is my delight to observe the presence of state security heads drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, The Nigerian Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service and State Security Service representing Anambra, Borno, Enugu, Imo, and Sokoto States.”
Audi explained that the seminar is aimed at ensuring that all stakeholders across-board are carried along on this mission. He told the participants that: “Your participation in this programme is an indication that we are making progress towards this quest, with outcomes that will have far reaching impact on the nation’s security architecture.
He said: “The previously held seminars and workshops were targeted at three geopolitical zones namely: North East, North West and South South. I officially sent a request last year to our partner, Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung, for the activation of other zones in the face of the increasing security challenges across the country and the need for all agencies to work together across board, the request was graciously approved resulting into the incorporation of North Central geopolitical zone in this year programmes. I strongly believe that other zones will come on board in due course.”
On his part, the Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Nigera, Ms Marija Peran in her opening remarks, said the seminar was organised in cooperation with the Nigerian House of Representatives, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
Peran, who was represented by the Deputy Representative, Lukas Laible said since 2016, KAS has been supporting the Security Sector Reform in Nigeria, and has cultivated progressive partnerships with relevant frontline institutions and has collaborated both with the executive as well as the legislature.
She explained that two years ago, KAS mandated a survey on the mandates of security agencies, adding that the survey revealed that overlapping mandates among these agencies contribute significantly to rivalry among security personnel
She noted that: To address this issue, KAS collaborated with experts in the field and government agencies to review and propose amendments to the Acts that establish these agencies.
“On the basis of this survey and in collaboration with the Office of the Speaker, seven bills were drafted addressing the identified issues; six of them are currently on the floor of the House or Senate.”
She noted that: “In partnership with all security agencies we provide trainings with a focus on fostering interagency-collaboration and conflict-resolution among security agencies.
“To amplify information sharing, surveillance, and to forge a harmonious relationship with personnel of security agencies, we also work with civil society groups, communities, and opinion leaders at zonal and state level.
“The project’s goal is to create a unified curriculum and a trainer’s guide. The development of this curriculum has been successfully completed and endorsed by all the training colleges and institutions.
