Broader Collaboration Needed to Tackle Insecurity, Says Kwara NSCDC Boss

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, Umar Mohammed, has called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and private guard companies to confront the state’s security challenges.

Mohammed, who spoke at a security summit in Ilorin, said the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, cultism and cybercrime could no longer be effectively tackled by conventional security agencies alone.

The summit, held at the Banquet Hall, was organised by the Kwara State Command of the NSCDC in partnership with the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN). It had as its theme: “The Role of Private Security Guards in Crime Prevention and Intelligence Gathering.”

According to him, private guard companies often serve as the first point of contact in communities and, when properly regulated, can play a vital role in intelligence gathering to support security operations.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Security, Mallam Muyeeden Aliyu, commended security agencies for their efforts in keeping peace across the state. He assured that the government would continue to provide an enabling environment and support security operations.

Chairman of ALPSPN in Kwara State, Samuel Yusuf Bola, urged for greater recognition of private security operators, stressing that their knowledge of the local terrain positions them to contribute significantly to intelligence gathering.

In his keynote address, former Police Public Relations Officer in Kwara State, SP Ajayi Okasanmi (rtd), also stressed the need for synergy among security stakeholders, noting that unity of purpose is vital in building a crime-free society.

The event brought together key security stakeholders, policymakers and private guard operators to chart new strategies for tackling insecurity through intelligence sharing and operational cooperation.