Insurgency: Peace Corps Boss Task Personnel on Intelligence Gathering

The Commandant, Peace Corps Of Nigeria (PCN), Amb. Dickson A.O Akoh has tasked personnel of the Corps to be proactive on intelligence gathering.

This, he said would nip in the bud issues that might lead to breach of peace and security in the country.

Akoh stated this on Saturday at the passing out parade and commissioning of ‘Gentlemen Cadets’, of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, which took place, at the National Youth Service Orientation Camp, Mangu, in Plateau State.

Speaking while addressing the Cadets, Akoh said that Nigeria is witnessing series of social security problems, which threatens the peace and unity of the nation, saying that these challenges ranges from insurgency with prominence in the North East, secession agitation in South East, Niger Delta militancy, farmers and Fulani herdsmen clashes and general cases of kidnapping and armed robbery across the states of the Federation, he said.

He is also quoted as saying that, these ugly trends, if deliberate and conscious steps are not taken to address them, will have a retrogressive effect on the effort of the present administration’s vision for sustainable development and nation-building.

His words, “as youths who came from different communities, you are closer to the grassroots and strategically placed to complementing other Security Agency through intelligence gathering on matters that may lead to breach of peace and security with a view to reporting same to relevant security agencies for necessary action”.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Deputy Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon.Yusuf Gagdi, pledged the full support of the State to the Peace Corps, stating that the House of Assembly will give its backing to the initiative of the Corps, because it will provide employment to the teeming unemployed youths.

PCN which was established in 1998, is still seeking recognition backed by law as it has scaled through its second reading at the National House of Assembly.

The occasion witnessed commissioning of 2001 Gentlemen Cadets, into Staff Officers’ Cadre, after subjecting them to a four weeks intensive training and orientation.