Collaboration among security agencies key to addressing emerging security challenges – Gov. Buni

 Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has called for more collaboration among the security agencies in the state and the North-East towards addressing security challenges in the region.

The Governor made the call when he declared open the 3rd quarter security meeting of State Directors of the DSS in North East held in Damaturu recently.

Represented by his Deputy, Idi Barde Gubana, the governor noted that such collaboration had resulted in the operational successes recorded in the state as well as the region.

Buni also commended security agencies operating in the state for their huge sacrifice in restoring peace after about 13 years of Boko Haram insurgency.

The governor who recalled with nostalgia how Damaturu prior to 2015 was deserted by residents due to the disturbing activities of insurgents, said with the commitment of purpose by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, peace has now been restored.

He described the meeting as timely, saying it will go a long way in improving the security situation of the country against all forms of criminal activities.

The Director of Department of State Services, (DSS), Yobe Command, Inusa Abdulkadir said the conference is aimed at discussing issues of security; the roles of stakeholders like the traditional rulers, religious leaders, academia, sister security agencies, vigilante groups, the media who are also critical stakeholders for the synergy to ensure peace and safety in the state.

The Director observed that some citizens, having passed through trauma during the insurgency, require psycho-social support to avoid further breakdown of law and order that could lead to another security challenge.

He commended the Yobe State government and its officials for the support and cooperation, which according to him had assisted in achieving operational successes.

In his remarks, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Muhammad Ibn Abali Muhammad Idrissa commended the effects of the security agencies in restoring peace and security in the state while pledging for continuous support and cooperation.

In attendance at the meeting were Heads of other security agencies operating in the state as the Police; Nigeria Army; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Federal Road Safety Corps; Nigeria Immigration Service; NDLEA, NAPTIP as well as Yobe State University Vice Chancellor and representatives of North-East Development Commission among other stakeholders.