By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel
On June 12, 2024, the Institute of Criminology and Strategic Studies (ICSS) hosted a notable National Security Summit. The event focused on the theme “National Security Agenda: Community Engagement, Law Enforcement, and Technology.”
At the gathering were representatives of Nigeria security agencies , experts as well as paramilitaries stakeholders regarding Nigeria security agencies deformity and way forward.
Professor Omololu Shoyonbo the lead speaker exclusively dissected the theme and suggested way forward to better policing as well as community engagement in Nigeria by clamouring on use of advance technologies in curbing crime , lack of collaboration between the community and law enforcement agencies as many people do not interact with the Nigerian Police as they should.
The Professor of Sociology from the university of Lagos was impressed with attendees quota as he concluded by imploring the Nigeria Police to organize programs and activities that will help build trust and endear them to the communities.
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Representative of The Lagos state Commissioner of Police CP Fayoade; PRO SP Benjamin Hundeyin, agreed the Democracy Day gathering of important stakeholders in the security sector was a laudable one as salient points and solutions proposed which Law enforcement agencies must strive to implement as soon as possible.
PRO Hundeyin noted synergy between the Police and the community already exists, says ‘ Police is working to strengthen it through the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), which is expanding its reach. He emphasized effective policing requires community support and input, saying, ‘A community cannot be policed without the support and input of that community.
Controller of Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Command Mr. Bala Dangana highlighted effort of the command under the leadership of Controller General Naba regarding security especially in Lagos state has achieve tremendous progress , Lagos been one of the largest in economics in Africa by putting in measures to secure boarders and airport with modern technology which has greatly improved the immigration service operations
Prince Emeka Nwenyi CEO Pride Vigil Security believes the theme of the summit was an appropriate one for security is a fundamental Infrastructure that must be established before anything else can be built. Concerning the security situation in the country, the security agencies are doing their best. To build a formidable security system, we need a focused approach. Threats must be identified, and the necessary tools to combat these threats must be provided. There are many security challenges, I believe the government is effectively tackle insecurity, forums like this should be encouraged to deepen and expand our collective knowledge, Prince Emeka concluded
Dr. Adekunle Aderemi, Registrar General of the Institute of Criminology and Strategic Studies. Said the tradition of the institute is to bring together security experts to discuss and debate the insecurity issues pervading our nation, which was already achieved as causes of trouble surrounding Nigeria security was examined and solutions proposed .
ICSS focused on setting a national agenda in the areas of law enforcement and technology, connecting them to community engagement. The speakers emphasized a common point: Community engagement is essential. We must engage with the grassroots to discuss how to secure our nation; people of all ages and backgrounds must come together to find solutions, The college registrar concluded.
ICSS Director of Research and Publication, Dr. Adekunle Zubair took the media down the memory lane of establishment in 1990 as the 26th annual security summit aimed at giving back to the society as a means to combat crime. Thus, the establishment of the Anti-Crime Brigade to address crime and rein in the activities of criminals in our society. Lack of checks and balances in crime prevention has been identified as ICSS collaborate with various paramilitary organization, eager foster synergy with other security outfits for the current number of security personnel is insufficient to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
Dr. Zubair concluded ICSS maintained stringent recruitment standards, background checks are conducted to ensure candidates have no prior criminal record as the Institute also aims at training journalists to serve as private detectives.
