Barrister David Aigbefoh the Vice-Chairman Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Gwagwalada Branch Abuja, has called for a strategic relationship between the security agencies and civilians to help end the current insecurity in the country.
Aigbefoh made the call in Abuja, at a special summit on security and safety/award scheme, organised by the National Watch, with the theme agged “Our Security is in Securing our Security Operatives.”
According to him, there was a need for everyone to always be security conscious, to guard against the sudden wanton destruction of lives and property in the country.
The Barrister who noted that the fight against insecurity, information and intelligence gathering are key, urged all citizens to always be security conscious and have a strategic relationship with security agencies.
“It is in clear relationship of the imperative role of our Security Operatives that we as patriotic citizens of our great country Nigeria, should unit and build bridges of understanding.
“Also with solidarity, partnership and strategic relationship between the citizens and the security operatives or agencies in order to stem the tide of insecurity on our soil.
“It is important to mention that in the fight against insecurity, timely information and intelligence gathering are key to success, this is in addition to enhanced remuneration of our Security Operatives.
“Security Operatives should also be well equipped to meet the sophisticated world of current societies particularly at the Divisional police Headquarters level.
“We all know this universal fact and truth that without security, there will be no progress and development, and life will be nasty, brutish and short according to one of the foremost legal philosopher- Thomas Hobbes,” he said.
He said that there was an urgent need for a re-jig with the security agencies and to also step up surveillance, especially aerial surveillance with the use of drones, to secure the life and property of the citizenry.
Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Bashir Magaji (Retd) on his part called on Nigerians to always assist security agencies with credible information on the activities of suspected criminals in their areas.
Magaji, noted that security matters should not be left in the hands of security agencies alone, but a collective responsibility for everyone.
Represented by the deputy director, coordination, peace and support cooperation, at the defence headquarters, Col Oluwale Diya, the minister maintained that security agencies cannot end the the current insecurity in the country without the assistance and collaboration of civilians. (NAN)