In a bid to overcome the security challenges facing the country, the Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, has called for inter-agency collaboration among the security agencies.
Bichi made the call at the monthly meeting of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA), Thursday at the headquarters of the DSS in Abuja.
He said, “The dynamics of contemporary threats such as kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency, cattle rustling, cyber crime and other forms of organised criminal activities: human, drug and currency trafficking, which are confronting Nigeria require joint efforts to combat them.
“Inter-agency synergy has, no doubt, become the new paradigm of law enforcement and security management in today’s world.”
The service boss said: “Today, our country is bedevilled with varied security challenges. We must therefore be resolute and remain strong in the face of these challenges. Each agency must bring it wealth of experience and comparative advantage to compliment the effort of another.
“With unity of purpose, we can surmount the challenges and keep Nigeria one and free from violence and crime.
“You as gatekeepers and frontline managers of public communication for your respective agencies face different challenges in the course of discharging your jobs. I urge you to bring up ideas that will build trust and promote public confidence in security agencies. As public speakers for these agencies, I urge you to continually use language that conforms with democratic culture.
“In order to successfully achieve this, you must understand and respect the delicate balance between protecting the state and citizens. Remain steadfast, committed and loyal to the course.”
While expressing satisfaction with the conduct of all security agencies during the 2019 general elections, he said: “I commend all the participating security and law enforcement agencies here for your sterling performances during the just concluded 2019 general elections. Kindly convey my warmest compliments to your bosses. Upholding the unity of our beloved country is not a task that will end with the elections. It should be sustained beyond.”
Also speaking, Executive secretary, Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Yusuf Anans, said FOSSRA was establish to enhance cooperation and effective communication among the security agencies.
“It is to help them speak with one voice on issues of national security interest and seamlessly coordinate emergency/disaster response where necessary,” he said.
