President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has again called for synergy and cooperation among security agencies to deal a final blow to what is left of terror attacks, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Nigeria.
To this end, he restated his administration‘s resolve to improve the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)’s institutional capacity and position the force to actualise its inherent mandate as the frontline agency in internal security.
President Tinubu gave the charge on Monday in Abeokuta when he officially opened the fifth annual Strategic Security Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers in the Ogun State capital.
The President, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a statement by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, implored the conferees to focus a significant portion of their discussions on strategies for multi-agency collaboration.
“During my visit to the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, I stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling security challenges.
“Synergy among all security agencies is vital to eliminating banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality. Please dedicate a significant portion of your deliberations to advancing strategies for multi-agency collaboration,“ he stated.
According to the Nigerian leader, the retreat‘s timing is crucial in advancing his administration‘s goals, just as the conference theme, „Improving Nigeria‘s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,“ aligns seamlessly with the administration‘s core objectives.
However, he observed that while one of the administration‘s objectives is to use the nation‘s human and natural resources to foster economic growth, the vision cannot be attained until the country‘s internal security becomes stable.
“We are committed to fostering economic growth by leveraging the vast potential of our human and natural resources. However, this vision is unattainable without a stable internal security landscape and strong stakeholder collaboration,“ the President noted.
President Tinubu pointed out that since coming on board in 2023, his administration had „embarked on bold and decisive reforms to address the deep-rooted challenges stemming from years of mismanagement and neglect.“
He listed the impact of some of the reforms in various sectors, including internal security, food security, unemployment, inflation, and infrastructure, acknowledging that they may have been quite challenging at the onset.
Noting that the reforms are vital to realigning Nigeria with the vision of its founding fathers, the President said, „We have introduced reforms to restore investor confidence, stabilise the macroeconomic environment, and reduce inflation.
“We are also taking firm measures to instil fiscal discipline, stabilise the foreign exchange market, and eliminate financial leakages by removing fuel and electricity subsidies. These efforts free up critical budgetary resources, enabling us to address long-standing infrastructure deficits.
“We are investing in roads, railways, and energy projects through public-private partnerships, which will lower transportation costs, expand market access, boost productivity, and create much-needed jobs.“
Mindful of creating an environment where businesses and investments flourish, President Tinubu said his administration has prioritised strengthening the nation‘s security agencies and their operational capabilities by equipping them with enough „to confront emerging threats and effectively combat crime.“
The President reaffirmed his administration‘s resolve to enhance „the institutional capacity of the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring it is more effective and well-positioned to fulfil its constitutional mandate as the lead agency in internal security.“
He outlined the government‘s efforts to achieve this, including recruiting and retaining a competent workforce while fostering a positive and supportive work environment and bridging existing security infrastructure and equipment gaps „through a comprehensive and sustainable programme that includes renovating police barracks, improving mobility, and upgrading essential combat and protective gear.
“Implementing the new minimum wage is among the many steps we have taken to enhance the welfare of Nigerian workers, including police personnel. We will continue collaborating with the police leadership to provide financial incentives to motivate officers and all security personnel to perform at their highest levels.
“While no remuneration can truly compensate for the sacrifices made by our security forces, we remain committed to supporting them in their crucial role of keeping Nigeria safe and united,“ he added.
Acknowledging that security is a shared responsibility, President Tinubu charged communities and the citizens to „actively collaborate with the police to foster a safer society.
“No matter how well-funded, well-equipped, or well-trained a police force is, it can not succeed without the cooperation of the people it serves. Public engagement and trust are central to the success of inclusive policing,“ he maintained.
Earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State applauded President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their visionary leadership, saying their unwavering commitment to peace and national prosperity has continued to inspire him and his colleagues.
He observed that security underscores the ideal society where citizens feel saved, valued and protected, stressing that security and development are intertwined.
He highlighted Ogun State‘s contributions to efficient policing, including securing more police vehicles and motorcycles and collaborating with the French government to Secure high-tech drones.
In his welcome remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, described the annual Police conference as “a critical platform for assessing the administrative and operational strategies of the Nigeria Police Force, extensive insight and realigning policy objectives with evolving global security landscape.”
He stated that in the past two years, the conference has offered valuable insight that has served contemporary policing in Nigeria, promoting innovation, collaboration and best practices.
He said the conference‘s theme naturally flowed from the last conference, which focused on the broader issues of enhanced security mechanisms and international development, emphasising internal policing.
Also, the Inspector General of Police of Kenya, Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho, said Kenya and Nigeria have enjoyed a cordial and mutual relationship for many years while seeking good benefits for their citizens.
He noted that, as African Union Police Chief, he had informed the AU heads of state and government during their meeting in July 2023 in Nairobi of the need for joint exercise and security training, particularly in surveillance of the respective borders in the wake of terrorism and trans-border crimes.
He called for collaboration to improve the needs and welfare of the citizens.
Similarly, the Inspector General of Police of Rwanda, CG Felix Namuhoranye, described the conference theme as „very significant, timely and relevant, as we resonate with the security concerns not only in Nigeria but also in Africa in general.“
He said development and peace could only occur in a secure environment, noting that inclusiveness is a moral obligation necessary in the police force and paramount in government policy.
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