Intelligence Sharing, Critical for National Assets Protection–NSCDC Boss
The Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abubakar Ahmed Audi, has stressed the need for synergy and collaboration among various security agencies for the adequate protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructures across the country.
The CG made the call in Abuja during a paper presentation at the ‘Stakeholders Summit on the Protection of Critical Infrastructure in Nigeria’.
The summit, themed; “Synergy: Panacea to Effective Critical Assets and Infrastructure Protection,” was jointly organized by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, University of Abuja and International Institute for Security and Governance Studies.
Mr Audi lamented the level at which the Critical National Assets and Infrastructures constantly come under threat occasioned by the criminal activities of terrorists, vandals and oil thieves, bandits, kidnappers, ethical militias, farmers/herders clashes, ethnic agitators and sometimes violent protests such as the recent EndSARS uproar.
He said: “Power and telecommunications installations have been under constant threats and attacks in the Northeast by terrorist groups, while farmland has been devastated by constant farmers/herders clashes, oil pipelines, bridge railings, and railway tracks are being destroyed.
“Most recently, INEC Offices, Security Formations, and Correctional Centers have either been attacked or under serious threat of attacks by hoodlums and criminal elements.”
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In his remark, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isah Ali Pantami, emphasized the urgent need for the NSCDC to sensitize the mindsets of the citizens on the imperative of protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructures, adding that, many people consider government as the sole owner of these vital Infrastructures.
Mr. Pantami stated that, presently, most global attacks are achieved digitally through cyberspace which is translated in form of cybercrimes. Thus, he reiterated the government’s commitment in deploying technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, Drones, the Internet of Things, and Remote Surveillance in order to monitor and safeguard the nation’s infrastructure.
“There is need for collaboration among traditional, cultural, religious and government institutions in order to end the lingering security challenges bedeviling the country,” Professor Pantami added.
While contributing to the session, the National Security Adviser retired Major- General Babagana Monguno who was represented by the Director of Internal Security, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Mr. Sanusi Galadima commended the organizers for coming up with the summit at a time the country is battling with myriads of security challenges including banditry and kidnapping, insurgency, farmers/herders clashes, secessionists’ agitations, and militancy.
The summit was attended by various security agencies including Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, National Intelligence Agency, Department of Security Service, Fire Service, and Nigerian Correctional Service
By PRNigeria.
