the Director-General of the Department of State Service, DSS, Alhaji Yusuf Bichi, said yesterday that insecurity is thriving in Nigeria because of the distrust and suspicion among security agencies.
The DSS D-G, who stated this at the closing ceremony of the DHQ Inter-Agency Cooperation Workshop in Abuja yesterday, said: “The country has been grappling with the scourge of insecurity in virtually all the six geo-political zones for a while. In order to curtail the prevailing security challenges, security agencies are engaged in several joint operations across the nation.
“I must state from the outset that, a key mechanism needed to tackle the menace of insecurity is concerted efforts among all the security actors and other action agencies and stakeholders.
“Regrettably, issues on boundaries of responsibilities, mutual distrust, suspicion, unhealthy competition and lack of cooperation, have continued to deal a heavy blow on the cohesion of the nation’s security architecture.
“This unhealthy competition/lack of cooperation would continue to have dire consequences on national security, except we become intentional and determined to deal with the problem.”
Represented by the Director of Operations, Mr. Joseph Dashwep, the DSS D-G added:
“In practical terms, Inter-Agency Cooperation, IAC, is simply the working together of the various components of a sub-structure, and in this wise, the various security agencies in Nigeria, towards a common vision and resolution of problems.
“It requires, therefore, that the partners involved would cooperate in the exchange of relevant information and resources in support of each other’s goals.
“I must state unambiguously that IAC is a vital necessity of the time. This is because it is the bedrock on which our national security architecture can prevent, mitigate and contain the myriad of threats facing the nation.
‘’Positive and productive outcomes could only be guaranteed if our various agencies work together. It is equally important to stress the fact that the complexity and transnational nature of crimes have made it necessary for IAC.
“Accordingly, for IAC to be impactful, it must be predicated, among others, on positive perception of the complementary agencies.
“This engenders roles for understanding and mutual respect for defined boundaries of operations; cooperation and mutual trust. They are the basis for collaboration without let or hinderance.
“Consistency: This implies that all actors and stakeholders must work within agreed system or policy and stay accountable until there is a cogent and reasonable ground to change.
“Feedback System and Constructive Criticism: The system should encourage a feedback system that is constructive and offers peer-to-peer criticism in a manner that is friendly and with good intentions. This would foster growth and development.
“Need to Know: This principle stresses the fact that access to information should be considered a necessity in connection with official duties, for the performance of legitimate tasks.
“If this principle is not observed by both the giver or recipient agencies, then abuses may be recorded. Some recommendations I consider necessary to develop robust IAC include, but not limited to: Inclusion of IAC in the basic curriculum and all levels of training by security agencies; reorientation among security personnel on the importance of IAC.
“Greater socialization through inter-service games, mess culture, joint workshops, and trainings in relevant fields; personnel secondment.
“I believe discussions during the workshop have identified challenges to Inter-Agency Cooperation, and also created a forum for interaction and further bonding among the participants.’’
