A security expert Seyi Babaeko, has stressed the need for closer collaboration between government security forces and private operators, working together as partners, to enable them defeat the rising cases of insurgency and other violent crimes in the country.
Seyi Babaeko, who is the managing director and chief executive officer (MD/CEO) of Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd, disclosed this in a statement in Lokoja titled “The Role of Private Security Companies in Strengthening National Security”.
According to him, when this collaboration is effective, it multiplies the country’s capacity to protect lives, secure assets, and sustain peace.
He stressed that as insecurity continues to grow in complexity, with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and vandalism creating enormous pressure on government security agencies, private security companies complement state efforts and provide protection at multiple levels of society.
According to him, the armed forces, police, and related institutions remain overstretched, and the reality is that they cannot carry the full burden of national security alone.
He noted that private security companies have therefore become essential partners, complementing state efforts and providing protection at multiple levels of society.
“Private firms fill a vital gap by securing homes, businesses, estates, banks, schools, and critical infrastructure. This allows government forces to focus on large-scale threats while communities and institutions remain safeguarded by trained operatives.
“By working at the grassroots, private security personnel are also well placed to observe unusual patterns, detect risks, and provide early warnings that often prevent crimes from escalating. Their close relationship with local communities makes them an indispensable source of intelligence for official agencies.
“The economic stability of the nation also depends heavily on the services of private security. Oil pipelines, power installations, communication hubs, and financial institutions are prime targets for theft, sabotage, or vandalism. Without strong protection, these assets would be vulnerable, and the country’s development could be severely disrupted. By guarding such assets, private firms ensure that the foundations of the economy remain secure.”
He maintained that the future of security in Nigeria rests not only on manpower but also on technology. “CCTV systems, drones, biometric access controls, cyber defense solutions, and artificial intelligence are becoming central to protection strategies.”
He noted that private firms are driving this shift by adopting advanced tools that deliver real-time surveillance and rapid response, offering a level of efficiency that traditional approaches cannot achieve.
