Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday harped on the need for all security agencies in the country to scale up intelligence gathering and information sharing to ensure effective protection of lives and property.

Governor Ambode also called for synergy in analysing opportunities and threats to national security, as well as the most effective methods to nip security breaches before they happen.

Speaking while formally declaring open the 2016 3rd Quarterly Meeting of Federal and State Security Administrators’ Forum held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, the Governor said there was the need for security agencies to re-invigorate their intelligence gathering mechanisms for effectiveness.

Governor Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, said the call became imperative since perpetrators of criminal acts are not invisible as they operate around and among the various communities.

The Governor, who said security administrators have a great role to play in translating government policies to positively impact on the people and enhance economic viability of the country for prospective investors, added that security chiefs need to raise the bar in making the society safer and better secured for the people and investors taking into perspective the challenging global realities.

“It is our duty on behalf of the people to ensure the territorial integrity of our country; this is the reason why we have the mandate of the people to serve as leaders and keepers of public trust.

“As we approach the “ember” months, let us review our security surveillance and intelligence gathering frameworks to ensure peace and serenity across the land. Notwithstanding the glaring economic challenges, there is still a bright light at the end of the tunnel,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor recalled the massive investment of his administration in purchase of security equipment such as saloon and pickup cars, power bikes, Armoured Personnel Carriers, gun boats and helicopters, among others. He assured of continuous commitment of the State Government to offer required support to security agencies.

Ambode said: “We are aware of the changing dynamics of crime across our country, ranging from attacks by Marauding herdsmen who have killed many people, the rash of kidnappings which is rapidly becoming the norm and the disturbing sabotage of government economic infrastructure which has resulted in huge financial haemorrhage that has impacted negatively on revenue generation with the attendant implications on our economy in the face of a global recession.”

He, however, reiterated the zero-tolerance posture of his administration towards crime and all forms of criminal acts in Lagos.

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, said the meeting which witnessed the presence of delegates from all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, epitomised the primary essence of government as amplified in the constitution, adding that meaningful development can only occur in an environment with effective security.

In his keynote address, Chairman of the Forum and Permanent Secretary of Special Services in the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Ambassador Aminu Nebagu said the negative consequences of pipeline vandalism in recent time on the economy was of massive proportion, and called on all those involved in the act to lay down their arms and embrace dialogue with government to achieve lasting peace.

•Photo shows Governor Ambode

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