The Director-General, Department of Security Service (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, has underscored the paramount importance of effective collaboration and mutual synergy among security agencies.

He said the dynamics of contemporary threats such as kidnapping, terrorism, insurgency, cattle rustling, cybercrime and other forms of organised criminal activities like human, drug and currency trafficking, which are confronting Nigeria require joint efforts, especially by security agencies, to combat them.

The DSS boss made the call at the monthly meeting of the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies (FOSSRA) and the inauguration of the new Chairman of the forum and Defence Spokesperson, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, in Abuja.

Magaji Bichi maintained that security and law enforcement agencies must continue to collaborate and partner not only to ensure national security but also to provide an environment that will help Nigeria attain her development goals economically, politically, socially and culturally.

As part of global best practice and effective approach to security management, he noted that partnership and collaboration among stakeholders is imperative.

Said Bichi: “Today, our country is bedeviled with multifarious security challenges. We must, therefore, be resolute and remain strong in the face of these challenges. Each agency must bring its wealth of experience and comparative advantages to compliment the effort of another. With unity of purpose, we can surmount the challenges and keep Nigeria one and free from violence and crime.”

The DSS Director-General commended the members of the forum and appeal to them to bring up ideas that will build trust and promote public confidence in security agencies.

“FOSSRA was created so as to help the various security agencies speak with one voice on issues of national security interest and seamlessly coordinate emergency/disaster response where necessary. I have no doubt that the objective is so far been assiduously pursued. The positive impact is obvious.

“As public speakers for various security agencies, I urge you to continually use language that conforms to democratic culture. And in order to successfully achieve this, you must understand and respect the delicate balance between protecting the state and citizens,” he said.

Also speaking at the occasion, the new Chairman of FOSSRA and Director Defence Information, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu urged information managers and journalists to work harmoniously towards promoting national interest and protecting national security

Colonel Nwachukwu said: “We have to sustain our relationship with the media as the right channels to the public so that our information is not distorted for the advantage of our enemies and criminal elements.”

Speaking early at the meeting the Executive Secretary of Centre of Crisis Communication, the Secretariat of FOSSRA explained that the rationale behind the formation of the forum was borne out of the need to enhance cooperation and effective communication among the security agencies.

Anas said: “We use the monthly meeting to improve on the existing inter-agency collaboration among security agencies towards efficiency in operations and better information management.”

Members of FOSSRA included spokespersons of the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Service (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Nigerian Prisons Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Other members include the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Federal Fire Service. (PRNigeria)

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