Florence Uwaeme
The Rivers State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Michael Besong Ogar, has affirmed that Inter-Agency Collaborations, Joint training and prompt Intelligence sharing are the bedrock of an effective security system in the Nation.
Commandant Ogar, while addressing the officers and men of the Command who participated in a Joint Security Patrol called “Show of Force” in preparation for the Governorship and State Assembly Elections slated for 18th March 2023, maintained that the strength of the entire security outfits in the State lies in a formidable and unrivalled Inter-Agency relationship most especially amongst the operatives who from time to time engage in joint operations with various security agencies.
” It is worthy of note that in Rivers State, the Heads of Security Agencies are very united in purpose, and that is why we are witnessing relative peace and tranquillity in the nook and crannies of our dear State. When the Security Agencies operate in synergy the security job becomes easier most especially in the coming elections; series of meetings has been held through the Inter-Agency Collative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and to crown it all the Security Agencies have also come together in Joint Security Patrol to show the world that we are one irrespective of differences in name of our Organizations and Uniform colours. Our unanimous goal is to protect the lives and property of the name of citizens and, by extension, provide a well secured environment for the upcoming elections to be credible, free and fair”.
Ogar hinted that Commandant General Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi had earlier given a specific directive on the need for collaborations with existing Sister Security Agencies and that Inter-Agency rivalries must be avoided at all costs for the enhancement of the security of the Nation at large.
Briefing the entire officers and men from all Security outfits in attendance at the take-off point in the Nigerian Army 6 Division Garrison, Bori Camp Port Harcourt; the Commander, Brig. Gen SS TILAWAN lauded the various security agencies for the massive turnout and willingness to serve the Nation with utmost dedication.
” We are here in one spirit and body to achieve a common aim; In the issue of Security work; no Service Agency is superior, and no Service Agency is lesser. We are all committed to achieving a common goal: ensuring the security of lives and property of the people; I am very happy with your reaction and very pleased with your responses; even the Commandant NSCDC is here to give us additional firepower. So I say well done and thank you very much, and I hope we have a successful show of force”.
“The essence of this show of force is very clear; it is a warning signal to those who are planning to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the coming elections; tevident desist from such evil plans and cast their vote peacefully or face the full wrath of the law. Secondly, it is to secure comfort for the citizens so that they can have the confidence that with the presence of the security agencies on the ground, they can come out freely and exercise their franchise without being disturbed and lastly, to reassure those that have doubts that we can never be united that we are all ready to work together as one to ensure the security of our people….Tilawan said.
The Show of Force, which commenced at the Bori Camp in Port Harcourt, lasted for about 9 hours as the security agencies patrolled across Emuoha, Ahoada, Kalabari, Degema, Abonima, Asari-Toru and other remote communities in Rivers State before returning to the start-up point for final debriefing and departure.
