State Directors of the Department of State Security Services (DSS) from the Northeast have convened in Bauchi state to deliberate on the growing security challenges affecting the region.

Speaking on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 17th Quarterly regional conference of the SDS at the command?s headquarters, Bauchi, the chairman of the North-East SDS, Sani Bakori, said that the subregion has had its share of security challenges such as terrorism, Boko haram, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, among others.

According to him, the security challenges have resulted in devastating loss of lives, displacements of millions of citizens, and gross significant setbacks to the development of the region and the country at large.

Bakori added that they are poised to discuss and find lasting solutions to these problems so that the citizens can live securely wherever they are.

He stressed that during the day?s conference, they would focus on several key areas crucial in fostering stability and peace in the northeast through strengthening community resilience and community policing, strategic collaboration, and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in addressing the root causes of these challenges.

?We gather here, not just as representatives of our respective organizations, but we are here to deliberate on the security challenges confronting our communities, our states, and our nation.

?The impact has been devastating loss of lives, displacements of millions of citizens, and its gross significant setbacks to the development and social cohesion,? he said.

The North-East SDS chairman added: ?Today, we are reminded that security is not merely the absence of violence, it is about creating an environment where our children can thrive, where families can feel safe in their homes, and where children can pursue their education without fear.

?We will be engaged in discussing, over the next few days, let our focus be on several key areas that are crucial in fostering stability and peace in the north-east through strengthening community resilience and community policing, strategic collaboration, and partnerships with relevant stakeholders in addressing the root causes of these challenges.

?It is pertinent to inform the participants that the world is changing and technically is also very relevant in discharging our mandate. As we move forward, let us be guided by the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and determination. The challenges we face are numerous but not insurmountable. Each of us has a role to play in building a safer and more secure north-east Nigeria.?

He urged stakeholders in the security sector to commit to functional strategies and hold each other accountable as they work towards deliberating solutions that will make tangible differences in the lives of our people.

?Let us remember that the true measure of our success will not be the strategies we develop but in the lives we touch and communities we restore the peaceful atmosphere. Together, we can create a future where security is not just a dream but a reality for all citizens of the north-east,? he stated.

In his speech, while declaring the conference open, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, who was the special guest of honour, said that the conference reflects the collective commitment of Directors of the DSS towards ensuring the safety and security of Nigerian communities in an increasingly complex and challenging environment.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Auwal Jatau, described the Conference as timely saying that there is a need for security agencies in the country to keep themselves abreast with these challenges and take appropriate measures to nip them in the bud cannot be over-emphasized.

He acknowledged the critical role the Department of State Services is playing in maintaining peace and stability, adding that the expertise of the DSS in intelligence gathering is indispensable in a world where threats can emerge from any corner and at any time. (The Nation)

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