Security experts, others proffer solution to security challenges

For the war against insecurity to be won, all security agencies in the country must collaborate with other relevant security institutions in order to combat the various security challenges facing the nation.

This was the view of stakeholders who spoke at the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) 11th Annual International Conference and General Assembly held at Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State yesterday.

They suggested that it was very needful for all the security agencies to frequently compare notes and change ideas in all security matters. The theme of the three-day Conference was “Collaborating for Sustainable Peace and Security in Nigeria”.

Among those who spoke were the Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Prof. Ademola Stephen Tayo and Chief of Staff to former President Jonathan, Gen. Jones Arogbofa rtd and the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the SPSP and Director of Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert among others.

Oloyede maintained that dialogue remained the potent weapon to “crush” the myriads of security challenges threatening the peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians.

The JAMB boss who was represented by his Director of Test Management, Flora Usoh identified hate speeches, insurgency in the North East, kidnapping, armed banditry and cattle rustling among others as the notable challenges posing threat to the peace and stability of the country.

Oloyede explained that the military could not win the war against the Boko Haram insurgency until it collaborated with the Civilian Joint Task Force, adding that collaboration with relevant stakeholders remained key to sustaining peace in the country.

He noted that there are many research works, documents and policies, which could solve the problem of insecurity in the country “but lack of implementation are hindering it”.

Albert urged the government not to underrate the various agitators in the country, saying government should dialogue with them. In his welcome address, the Babcock VC, Tayo urged government to urgently to take positive steps that would tackle the menace of insecurity in the country.