“There needs to be a paradigm shift from a theoretical approach to anxiety.
Some security chiefs and experts are looking for improved security collaboration between Nigeria and her French-speaking neighbors.
They called on Wednesday in a community shared with the Premium Times.
The communica- tion was based on a resolution reached at the roundtable conference during the annual maiden lecture of the National Institute of Security (AANISS) Alumni Association held on February 13th.
It was signed by National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu, Director of the National Security Agency, Orwatshin Ajay, Chief of Defense Christopher Musa, and Chief of Police Kayode Egbetokun.
Others include Director of National Intelligence, Mohammed Mohammed, Director of Maritime Management Nigeria, Deio Modeola, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Chief of Nigeria Audi, Director of Adewale Adeniy, Ahmed Audi, former director of Aanis Ahmed Audi, Anis Anis Anis and Anis Anis and Anis Anis and Anis.
Participants agreed that Nigeria is tackling many security challenges, including regional separatist movements, temptations, bandits, farmers/pastoral conflicts, terrorism, illegal arms trade, cybercrime and human trafficking.
They agreed to secure stronger cooperation between Nigerian security agencies and neighboring French-speaking countries.
They said the Nigerian government needs to adopt a more robust approach to confirm the challenges.
“There is a need for a paradigm shift from the theoretical approach to a more robust/comprehensive, practical approach to anxiety,” the Communique said.
“To strengthen border security, Arnis has recommended stronger cooperation between Nigerian security agencies and neighboring French-speaking countries.
Nigerian neighbors include Niger, Cameroon, Chad and the Republic of Benin.
Participants lamented the inadequate number of security and intelligence agents, covering all communities, including unlimited spaces.
They also called for improved community policing, demanding that Nigerian communities be armed.
They have accused local governments in the country to justify the financial autonomy given to them using their resources to curb security challenges at the local government level.
Armed local communities
During the lecture, Ajay called for the armament of the community for defensive purposes.
He said the community should serve as the primary line of defense when tackling the rebellion before intervention by police, military and other security agencies.
He cited the incident in Azare, Bauch province, where the community “supported and defeated the terrorists in Boko Haram.”
Ajayi added that the practical approach to the unstable battle is to get everyone involved and “we don’t expect the Nigerian military, police and SSS to protect all Nigerians. That won’t work.”
The SSS boss said the military, police and other security agencies must address larger security issues, such as organized crime, but it is hard to imagine security agencies having the resources to deploy to all communities.
“What we have to start experimenting is how to make the community a fist on the first line of defense. We have to allow some degree of armament in the community and they can act as the first line of defense,” Ajay said.
He further ensured that stakeholders at the event added that the discussion not only ended as a talk show, but that viable steps should be taken to tackle the threat of the country’s uncertainty.
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Overall approach
Musa called for a holistic approach on his part to combat Nigeria’s security challenges.
He also sought collaboration and positivity in addressing “complex and asymmetric” threats.
“From terrorism and cybercrime to cross-border organized crime and climate conflicts, the challenges we face are multifaceted and demand a holistic approach,” Musa said.
CDS has urged Nigerian security agencies to adapt to changing dynamics and leverage technology, intelligence and partnerships to stay ahead of their opponents.
“We are therefore optimistic that this forum will delve into practical strategies for mobilization and collaboration, highlighting the importance of practical collective action and shared responsibility,” he added.
