By Stanley Onyekwere
The Inspector -General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and other security experts have intensified advocacy for strategic synergy among security stakeholders, so to sustain efforts in tackling insecurity at all levels.
They spoke separately during the 15th-year anniversary of Abuja chapter of American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), and symposium with the theme: “ United in Resilience: Forging public private partnership to protect”, held in Abuja, yesterday.
Egbetokun represented by an Assistant Inspector -General, Adeboye Hamza, called for a whole-of-society approach in combating crimes.
He said security organisations have to continue to work together in combating crime.
He explained that continued efforts of the security agencies and private firms will strengthen security operations.
He said, “This is an era of a whole-of-society approach. And that is why you see that the Nigerian police force has been at the forefront of propagating community policing. That is a movement from government protect to everyone protect.
“The civil society, private security organizations have a lot to contribute. The government and its agencies cannot do it alone”.
On his part, the Director, Department of Security Services FCTA, Adamu Gwary, said the administration would not give up on it had put in place against vandalism across the territory.
Gwary, who was represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control Centre, said FCTA was working to ensure that communities where critical assets are located get more attention.
According to him, the administration had sensitized traditional and religious leaders on the need to continue to monitor, protect and adopt more measures in safeguarding the territory.
He said, “Part of the measures the FCT administration is taking against the fight against vandalism is the collaboration with the private security sectors, where you have the vigilante group of Nigeria, you have the hunters, you also have the private security companies which normally is called the PGCs.” Gwary said.
Reflecting on the journey from both the public and private sectors, chairman, ASIS Abuja chapter 273, Edward Orim, said it was established with a clear vision to promote excellence
in security practice, build a community of professionals committed to knowledge-sharing
and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.
He added that the chapter has grown into a beacon of professionalism, aligning with the global standards of ASIS International while remaining attuned to the unique realities of the environment in Nigeria.
“We are particularly delighted to organise the symposium as a powerful reminder that when it comes to national security, collaboration is not optional. is essential.
“Over the years, we have facilitated knowledge exchange, enhanced capacity building, supported private sector initiatives, and strengthened the bridge between security professionals and government agencies”,Orim said.
