President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday called for enhanced multi-agency synergy to eliminate all forms of security threats in the country.

He advised the police, as lead agency in internal security, to dedicate a significant portion of deliberations at the ongoing fifth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) to advancing strategies for multi-agency collaboration.

The President spoke through Vice President Kashim Shettima while declaring the three-day event open yesterday at the H3 Conference Centre in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

He stressed the essence of inter-agency synergy among the nation’s security forces and the need for the citizens to cooperate with them.

“While the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is constitutionally empowered to maintain internal security, protect lives and property, and uphold public order, it is essential to recognise that security is a shared responsibility.

“Communities and citizens must actively collaborate with the police to foster a safer society. Public engagement and trust are central to the process of inclusive policy.

“During my visit to the Office of the National Security Advisor (NSA) and the National Counterterrorism Centre in Abuja, I stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling security challenges.

“No matter how well-funded, no matter how well-equipped or well-trained a police force is, it cannot succeed without the cooperation of the people it serves.

“Synergy among all security agencies is vital to eliminating banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of criminality. Please dedicate a significant portion of your deliberations to advancing strategies for multi-agency collaboration,” President Tinubu said.

Speaking on the conference’s theme: Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing, the President highlighted some of his administration’s efforts towards providing the police with needed equipment, capacity and welfare boosters.

He promised his administration’s support for the NPF to perform its constitutional role more effectively.

“I reaffirm our administration’s commitment to enhancing the institutional capacity of the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring it is more effective and well-positioned to fulfill its constitutional mandate as a lead agency in internal security. Inclusive policy requires recruiting and retaining a competent workforce while fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

“To this end, we are working to bridge existing security, infrastructure, and equipment gaps through a comprehensive and sustainable programme that includes renovating police barracks, improving mobility, and upgrading essential combat and protective gear.

“These ongoing efforts, complemented by efforts from state governments, like Ogun, will certainly inspire confidence and reposition the Nigeria Police Force.

“Implementing the new minimum wages among the many steps we have taken to enhance the welfare of Nigerian workers, including police personnel, we will continue collaborating with the police leadership to provide financial incentives to motivate officers and all security personnel to perform at their highest levels.

“While no remuneration can truly compensate for the sacrifices made by our security forces, we remain committed to supporting them in their crucial role of keeping Nigeria safe and united,” President Tinubu added.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun hailed President Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to peace, security, and national prosperity since assumption of office.

The governor also thanked officers and men of the NPF for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and property across the country.

He urged law enforcement officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and accountability.

According to him, a police force that gathers public trust will find systems which provide intelligence, report crimes, and actively participate in security efforts.

Abiodun said security remained a top priority for his administration.

The governor said his administration had concluded plans to deploy drones that would identify the faces and number plates as far as 8,000 kilometres from the ground.

He called for the integration of technology-driven solutions, such as surveillance drones, for monitoring high-risk vast areas, particularly for timely emergency response.

Abiodun said: “I was discussing with the IGP (Kayode Egbetokun) earlier on that …we are collaborating with the French companies to provide us with drones that can provide facial recognition and number page recognition from as high as 8,000 kilometres. We have also provided data-driven crime mapping capabilities to predict and prevent criminal activities.

“We should also ensure that we begin to look at artificial intelligence (AI) so that this can allow us to ensure that we are proactive. These are promising tools to track cybercrime and financial fraud. Of course, they are things that must be embraced. All this will allow us to stay ahead of criminals and enhance national security.

“We must recognise that security and economic development are intertwined. A safe environment attracts investment, promotes job creation, and drives social and economic progress.