Experts Advocate Joint Security Centres, French Speakers To Tackle Trans-border Insecurity

Security experts have called on the federal government to establish joint security/intelligence centres and recruit people who can speak and understand French to address insecurity and trans-border crimes.

This is in order to address challenges hindering collaboration with Francophone countries in terms of language barriers.

They made this call in a communique issued at the end of the maiden annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) with the theme “Mobilising Stakeholders to curb insecurity in Nigeria: a practical approach”.

The communique, signed by Barr. Mike Ejiofor, president of AANIS, also called for the revival of communalism through traditional institutions at the community level as the first line of defence.

The communique reads in part, “Relevant authorities to create and maintain joint security / intelligence operation centres with complementary operational command structures. The centres are to organise joint patrols, surveillance and coordinated operations to tackle illegal arms smuggling, drug trafficking and cross border crimes.

“Security / intelligence and other related institutions to include in their recruitment processes people with ability to speak French language in view of our Francophone neighbours. This will facilitate easy communication and reduce border crimes.

“Our traditional value of communalism to be revived through traditional institutions at community levels to prepare them as first-line of defence in security initiatives.

This will enhance inclusiveness, trust, cooperation, proactive measures in crime prevention and serve as check on potential security challenges at grassroots level.

“Relevant Agencies to make available Counter Terrorism Instruments for information, education and use by all, including traditional rulers. This should also be incorporated in our educational programs in schools”.

They also urged state governors to have a buy-in for the effective inclusion of local government councils

The document further asked relevant institutions to organise workshops and seminars for judicial officers on the implications of decisions that affect national security.

The body also pledged to liaise with the Department of State Services to work out guidelines and modalities for the implementation of first-line of defence measures in communities.

“Communities to organise themselves and seek approval from relevant security agencies for orientation on community approach to threats of attack.

They also promised to promote dialogue among stakeholders, including government agencies, the judiciary, private security firms, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders towards deploying practical approaches to curbing insecurity in the country.

“In the light of the discourse, it is clear that Mobilising Stakeholders to Curb Insecurity in Nigeria requires a practical, inclusive and coordinated approach. This communique affirms the commitment of AANISS to enhancing intelligence sharing, fostering robust partnership and implementing strategic initiatives that address the multifaceted nature of insecurity in Nigeria,” it said.