By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has hailed the expertise of personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) in intelligence gathering which he said is indispensable especially as threats to security can emerge from any corner and at any time.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the North-East Zonal Conference of State Directors of Department of State Security Services (DSS) hosted by the Bauchi Command, the Governor acknowledged the critical role the DSS is playing in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Governor Bala Mohammed said that considering the numerous challenges of insecurity currently facing the country, there is need for government at all levels to leverage on the capabilities of the DSS and other security agencies in order to overcome the obstacles.
He however emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity which include poverty, unemployment and social discontent among Nigerians.
He then advocated for a robust network of intelligence sharing to address the security challenges through implementation of initiatives that promote economic growth and social cohesion.
The Governor said that, “I want to appreciate the State Directors of Security for initiating this Zonal Conference. I believe the conference 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 threat to national security.”
He added,”I therefore urge you to pool your knowledge and experiences together and come up with workable solutions to the myriad of security challenges facing our country. It is essential that we adopt a proactive approach-one that prioritizes early intervention and community engagement.”
According to him, “The conference reflects the collective commitment of Directors of the DSS towards ensuring the safety and security of our communities in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.”
“The Conference could not have come at a better time than now considering the rising security challenges across the country. Indeed, the need for Security Agencies in the country to keep themselves abreast of these challenges and take appropriate measures to nip them in the bud cannot be over-emphasized,”The Governor added.
He further stated that, “It is gratifying to note that the relationship between the Bauchi State Government and the Department of State Services and indeed all other Security Agencies has been very cordial.”
Bala Mohammed added that, “The State Command of the DSS has been immensely contributing to the maintenance and promotion of peace in the State through daily update of security situations with suggestions on how to tackle them through appropriate rule of engagement.”
The Governor then assured that as the Chief Security Officer of the State, his administration will continue to work hand in hand with the Department of State Services and other Security agencies to maintain law and order in the State through providing the agencies with the conducive working environment and logistic support for the effective and efficient operation.
He assured that, “I would like to reaffirm the commitment of my Government towards safeguarding the lives and property of our people. With the support of the Department of State Survives and all security agencies, we can turn the tide against insecurity in our dear Bauchi State and the entire North East.”
In his address, 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, communal conflicts, among others, which have resulted in
devastating loss of lives, displacements of millions of citizens and its gross significant setbacks to the development of the region and the country at large.
Sani Bakori said that the Conference was to discuss security challenges facing the subregion which have led to the loss of lives and property.
He also said that they are poised to discussing and finding lasting solutions to these problems so that the citizens can live securely wherever they are.
He stressed that during the Three days conference, they would focus on several key areas crucial in fostering stability and peace of 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.
In welcome address, the Bauchi State Director of Security, Nafiu Bello said that the Zonal Conference is a forum to rub minds and exchange views and ideas with a view to coming up with strategies to identify and check threat to national security.
Nafiu Bello extended the profound gratitude and appreciation of the DSS to Governor Bala Mohammed for his administration’s partnership with the service and promised to live up to expectations.
