DSS and Inter-Agency Collaboration
By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi
Recently, the Director General, State Security Service, Mallam Yusuf Magaji Bichi has called for a robust synergy among Nigeria’s security agencies in order to win the war against the persistent security challenges bedevilling the country.
Without an iota of doubt, interagency collaboration in areas of intelligence sharing, capacity building and personnel training will help immensely in averting as well as arresting any form of public disorders in a given society.
It can be recalled that, on March 15, 2022, violence erupted in the Obayantor community of Edo State when rival youth groups engaged in a bloody clash over leadership tussles. The unfortunate incident, which led to loss of lives was restrained from further escalation due to swift intervention by the Nigerian Army.
But, truth be told, the Army was able to achieve this success after receiving credible signals from the country’s foremost intelligence agency, i.e. the Department of State Service, DSS on the breakdown of law and order in that particular community.
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Army 4, Brigade Benin City, Captain Yemi Sokoya, said; “Brigade got a report from the DSS about the hoodlums disturbing the community and weapons being stockpiled, we found out that it was true, because as soon as we got there, some of the hoodlums engaged the troops.”
The manner in which this incident was handled, has further necessitated the idea that interagency collaboration can never be downplayed as at this present moment that is associated with myriad forms of insecurities.
To that effect, the DSS, as security agency, has clearly taken a distinct step forward in stemming the tides of criminal activities disturbing the country by synergizing with a non-security agency for that matter. This is something commendable that others can see and replicate which will undoubtedly provide the much desired results for which it is meant for.
Recall that, the Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan has lately led members of the commission for a courtesy visit to the office of the DG SSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi.
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Mr. Hassan noted that they were at the service headquarters to solicit further collaboration with the agency and assist the commission in the thorough and proper scrutiny of Nigerians travelling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah, the lesser hajj.
While making the appeal, the NAHCON chairman also commended the synergy and support of the DSS to the commission, while at the same time appreciated the giant strides of the DSS boss and the agency at large in serving the nation unceasingly.
In the same vein, Mr. Hassan requested the DSS to ensure that unscrupulous elements capable of tarnishing the image of the country are prevented from embarking on Umrah or Hajj to the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia through intelligence gathering and proper scrutiny at the airports.
Just as expected, and because it is what he has been advocating for, the DG while responding, commended the NAHCON for the smooth discharge of its duties and equally assured the chairman of DSS unwavering commitment in achieving their course.
It is very imperative at this juncture, to understand that, for NAHCON to come out openly and seek for a partnership with DSS in fishing out criminals posing as pilgrims at our various airports, then it must have really be satisfied and overwhelmed by the calibre and level of professionalism of the service in discharge of its enshrined mandates.
Meanwhile, the service has always been very proactive in averting crimes and also exhibited spirits of sharp responsiveness aimed at mitigating tension in violence-erupted areas so as to restore normalcy.
Notwithstanding, it was noted in early March, the Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur was left with no option but to heap praises on the agency for its commitment in living up to their security mandates.
He commended the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) for its concerted efforts aimed at tackling security challenges across the state and the northeast in general.
Kadafur made the commendation when the State Directorate of the security outfit, North-East sub-region, Alhaji Babagana Bulama led other members on a courtesy call at his office, Government House, Maiduguri, after the end of their quarterly conference meeting.
However, we should not forget that security is everybody’s business especially at this trying time, thus, all hands must be on deck in order to surmount insecurities threatening our peaceful coexistence.
Mukhtar is a Staff Writer with Emergency Digest.
