DSS DG seeks effective inter-agency collaboration against insecurity

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

The Director-General, Department of Security Service (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, on Friday, canvassed for an effective collaboration and mutual synergy among security agencies to curb the rising insecurity in the country.

He admitted that the contemporary threats, particularly the rising incidence of kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency, cattle rustling, cybercrime and other forms of organised criminal activities like human, drug and currency trafficking confronting the country require joint efforts by security agencies, to combat them.

Bichi made the call at the monthly meeting of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) on Friday in Abuja which also witnessed the inauguration of the new chairman of the forum, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu.

DSS boss said that security and law enforcement agencies must continue to collaborate and partner to guarantee national security that would enable the country attain the desired economic, political ,social and cultural goals.

He said that global best practice demand an effective approach to security management, adding that that partnership and collaboration among stakeholders is imperative.

“Today, our country is bedeviled with multifarious security challenges. We must, therefore, be resolute and remain strong in the face of these challenges.

Each agency must bring its wealth of experience and comparative advantages 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,” he said.

He challenged members of the forum to up with ideas that will build trust and promote public confidence in security agencies.

“FOSSRA was created so as to help the various security agencies speak with one voice on issues of national security interest and seamlessly coordinate emergency/disaster response where necessary.”

Noting that the task should be aggressively pursued for positive impact, he enjoined them “as public speakers for various security agencies to continually use language that conforms to democratic culture.”

Most importantly, he added, they” must understand and respect the delicate balance between protecting the state and citizens.”

Also speaking at the event, the new chairman of FOSSRA and Director, Defence Information, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, urged information managers and journalists to work harmoniously towards promoting national interest and protecting national security.

He said: “We have to sustain our relationship with the media as the right channels to the public so that our information is not distorted for the advantage of our enemies and criminal elements.”

Earlier at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of Centre of Crisis Communication, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), had explained that the rationale behind the formation of the forum which he said was borne out of the need to enhance cooperation and effective communication among the security agencies.

Members of FOSSRA includes the spokespersons of the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Service (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Nigerian Prisons Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Other members include the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Federal Fire Service.