By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Administration alongside the Nigeria Police Force and other security professionals have renewed calls for stronger collaboration between public and private actors to tackle rising security threats across the country.
Speaking at the 15th anniversary celebration of the Abuja Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security, ASIS, on Wednesday, stakeholders emphasised that sustainable safety can only be achieved through coordinated, community-driven partnerships.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the current security realities demand a “whole-of-society approach” where citizens and private actors play active roles in protecting lives and property.
The IG who was represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Adeboye Hamza, stressed that this was an era of a whole-of-society approach. “And that is why you see that the Nigerian Police Force has been at the forefront of propagating community policing. That is a movement from government protect to everyone protect.
“The civil society, private security organizations have a lot to contribute. The government and its agencies cannot do it alone.”
The Director, Department of Security Services in the FCTA, Adamu Gwary, represented by the Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji, said the Administration will continue to strengthen measures against vandalism and safeguard critical assets across the territory.
He said: “Part of the measures the FCT Administration is taking against the fight against vandalism is the collaboration with the private security sectors, where you have the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, you have the hunters, you also have the private security companies which normally is called the PSCs.”
Gwary added that traditional and religious leaders had been sensitised to monitor and report suspicious activities within their communities to reinforce local intelligence gathering.
Chairman of the ASIS Abuja Chapter 273, Edward Orim, reflected on the organisation’s 15-year journey, describing it as one defined by professionalism, shared knowledge, and stronger ties between the public and private security sectors.
He said the chapter was established “with a clear vision to promote excellence in security practice, build a community of professionals committed to knowledge-sharing and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s evolving security landscape.”
Orim added: “We are particularly delighted to organise the symposium as a powerful reminder that when it comes to national security, collaboration is not optional, it is essential.”
Organised under the theme “United in Resilience: Forging Public-Private Partnership to Protect,” the event brought together security chiefs, corporate leaders, and policymakers to examine new strategies for building a safer, more resilient capital.
