Chairman of the North-East State Directors of DSS, Sani Bakori, has lamented that the subregion has had its share of security challenges such as terrorism, Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts, among others, which have resulted in devastating loss of lives, displacements of millions of citizens, and its grossly significant setbacks to the development of the region and the country at large.
Sani Bakori was speaking in Bauchi on Wednesday at the opening of the 17th Quarterly edition of State Directors of Department of State Security Services of the North-East Conference to discuss security challenges facing the subregion which have led to the loss of lives and property.
While speaking in his address at the Bauchi Command Headquarters, he said that they are poised to discuss and find lasting solutions to these problems so that the citizens can live securely wherever they are.
He also stressed that during the three-day conference, they would focus on several key areas crucial in fostering stability and peace in the North-East through strengthening community resilience and community policing, strategic collaboration, and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in addressing the root causes of these challenges.
According to him, “We gather here, not just as representatives of our respective organisations, but we are here to deliberate on the security challenges confronting our communities, our states, and our nation.”
Sani Bakori added that “the subregion has faced so many security challenges over the past few years, principally due to the activities of terrorists and insurgent groups, kidnappers, farmers and herders hostilities, youth restiveness, communal conflicts, religious and ethnic intolerance, climate change manifesting in torrential rains and severe floodings, as well as socioeconomic repercussions of these crises.”
According to him, “The impact has been devastating loss of lives, displacements of millions of citizens, and its grossly significant setbacks to the development and social cohesion.”
The North-East SDS Chairman added: “Today, we are reminded that security is not merely the absence of violence; it is about creating an environment where our children can thrive, where families can feel safe in their homes, and where children can pursue their education without fear.”
“We will be engaged in discussing, over the next few days, let our focus be on several key areas that are crucial in fostering stability and peace in the north-east through strengthening community resilience and community policing, strategic collaboration, and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in addressing the root causes of these challenges, he added.
He further said that “it is pertinent to inform the participants that the world is changing and technically is also very relevant in discharging our mandate. As we move forward, let us be guided by the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and determination. The challenges we face are numerable but not insurmountable. Each of us has a role to play in building a safer and more secure northeast Nigeria.”
He also urged stakeholders in the security sector to commit to functional strategies and hold each other accountable as they work towards deliberating solutions that will make tangible differences in the lives of our people.
“Let us remember that the true measure of our success will not be the strategies we develop, but in the lives we touch and communities we restore peaceful atmosphere. Together, we can create a future where security is not just a dream but a reality for all citizens of the north-east,” he stated.
In his speech while declaring the conference open, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who was the Special Guest of Honour, said that the conference reflects the collective commitment of Directors of the DSS towards ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian communities in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Rt Hon Auwal Jatau, described the conference as timely, saying that there is a need for security agencies in the country to keep themselves abreast of these challenges and take appropriate measures to nip them in the bud that cannot be overemphasised.
He acknowledged the critical role the Department of State Services is playing in maintaining peace and stability, adding that the expertise of the DSS in intelligence gathering is indispensable in a world where threats can emerge from any corner and at any time.
“As we all know, our country is currently faced with numerous challenges of insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes, among others.
“These challenges have not only endangered the lives of our people but have also threatened our socio-economic development. To overcome these obstacles, we must leverage every tool at our disposal, and that includes the exceptional capabilities of the DSS and other security agencies,” he said.
The Governor commended the State Directors of Security for initiating the Zonal Conference, opining that it will serve as a forum to rub minds and exchange views and ideas with a view to coming up with strategies to identify and check threats to national security.
He therefore urged participants to pool their knowledge and experiences together and come up with workable solutions to the myriad of security challenges facing our country, pointing out that by sharing intelligence and resources, “we can create a more unified front against those who seek to disrupt our peace. It is essential that we adopt a proactive approach—one that prioritises early intervention and community engagement.”
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