NSCDC SEEKS INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION TO TACKLE TERRORISM AND OTHER VICES.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has called on international bodies to assist THE CORPS with advanced Technological know-how to boost the fight against terrorists, Vandals and other perpetrators of crime.
The CG of the Corps, made the call in a statement made available to The Nigerian Voice Through the CD PRO, DCC Emmanuel Okeh after an interactive session with the United Nations Counter Terrorism CommIttee delegation led by Mr. Weixiong Chen, the Deputy Executive Director of the (United Nations Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate) New York WHO paid him a courtesy visit at the Corps National Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the statement," inspite of the trainings received so far by the Civil Defence Personnel, the Personnel still needs more exposure and more knowledge on Technological know-how to improve greatly in the fight against Insurgents, Vandals, Illegal oil bunkerers, oil thieves who have become more sophisticated and daring in their quest to actualize their criminal acts".
The CG Stressed the need for more support and training in the area of protection of Critical Infrastructures and other National Assets in Nigeria, as they are in most cases readily available targets for both terrorists and vandals.
Abdullahi disclosed that presently, over 400 personnel are protecting the facilities of multinational oil companies in Nigeria, such as Shell, Agip, Mobil among others.
In the area of capacity building,The CG, revealed that over 10,000 personnel of the Corps have been trained on Counter Terrorism in Israel, Pakistan, Italy and also in Nigeria, with the Nigerian Army School of Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency, as well as in Jaji, with the aim of tackling insurgency in the country.
The CG expressed worries OVER POOR synergy amongst the various Security Agencies, especially in the areas of Intelligence Gathering and Information Sharing.
The NSCDC helmsman posited, that the only way to achieve the common goal of fighting terrorism, is by strengthening and putting in place a high level collaboration among all stakeholders.
Abdullahi while appreciating the UN Team for their visit, called on Nigerians to work in harmony with all the tiers of government to achieve the desired peace for in Nigeria.
In his address, the leader of the UN delegate, Mr Weixiong Chen said the UN Team is in Nigeria for action, not Just because Nigeria is a victim of terrorism due to insurgency, but to assist in training and to profer solutions.
Chen highlighted that the fight against terrorism will not be complete without the role of the Law Enforcement Agencies.
he therefore noted that the issue of coordination and training among the various Law Enforcement Agencies is Paramount, explaining that they must have basic trainings on close protection, to enable the Security Operatives protect themselves and the Populace in general.
The UN Spokesperson therefore assured the Corps of UN-CTED's support in training the personnel and Providing logistics support.
ON the fight against Terrorism, the Deputy Executive Director of UN-CTED Maintained that Nigeria cannot fight terrorism in isolation And Urged Government to Enlist the Support of other Nations of the world, such as donor nations to assist in Financing, Trainings and providing of Equipment based on the Country's needs.
He however advocated that the Nigerian State in tackling terrorism, must be through a holistic approach involving the three tiers of governments (Federal, States and the Local Governments) pulling together their resources to wipe out the menace.