Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello, has commended the University of Abuja for establishing a Centre for Security and Legal Studies, as part of efforts to finding lasting solutions to the lingering problem of insecurity in Nigeria.
Bello gave the commendation on Tuesday, in Abuja, at the launch of the centre and maiden symposium under the theme, “Kinetic and non-kinetic application in the fight against insurgency “.
The governor, who was the chairman of the occasion, further applauded the choice of the symposium’s theme as the fight against insurgency and other forms of insecurity required a holistic approach.
According to him, the emerging trend in criminality requires both a kinetic approach, which is the use of hardware by the Armed Forces and other security agencies, as well as the non-kinetic approach which involves research, intelligence gathering, among others.
Bello, who was represented by his adviser on State Security Matters, Duro Jerry Omodara, pledged his support to the centre.
“I am happy because this centre is on security studies.
“We must continue to engage a kinetic approach in dealing with emergency security challenges in the country, while also exploring the non-kinetic approach. This is because one approach is not sufficient to win this battle.
“While we adopt the kinetic approach, we must also support it with non-kinetic approach.
“The level of terrorist activities in the country has indicated that the kinetic approach must be fully deployed because it is the clear language they detest.
“However, the non kinetic approach is equally important because it can help identify sponsors of terrorist activities, suppliers among others,” he said.
He called on government at all levels to show commitment to tackling insecurity, including carrying the people along.
While further stating that intelligence gathering must be taken seriously, Bello advised states to identify their geographical locations and topography, saying that those were some of the strategies adopted by Kogi state in tackling insecurity.
He commended the Federal Government, the military and other security agencies for being in the forefront of the effort to tackle insecurity in the country.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mohammed Bello also commended the University for the initiative, especially in the light of the security challenges in the country.
Bello, who was represented Dr Bello Abdullateef, Director of Security Services, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said the centre would go a long way in finding lasting solutions to the problem.
“I congratulate the Vice Chancellor for the foresight in establishing the centre.
“The establishment of the centre has now accorded working class residents of FCT the opportunity to improve their capacity in acquiring additional qualification in the field of legal and security studies.
“It is our intention to work closely with the school for the overall development of the FCT,” he said.
The minster noted that the theme of the symposium was timely in view of the need to find lasting solutions to the issue of insecurity in Nigeria.
He pledged commitment to the safety of FCT residents, enjoining residents to always help with intelligence reports that could assist security agencies in carrying out their duties.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the symposium was attended by many security agencies, ranging from the military to paramilitary.
In their goodwill messages, they pledged support to the centre and continued commitment to protecting the territorial integrity of the nation, as well as lives and property.
NAN further reports that the Centre for Security and Legal Studies, which will be focused on academic research, innovation and development, would be running seven post graduate courses.
Some of the courses include Masters and Post Graduate Diploma (PGD) in Human Rights and Social Justice, Masters in Legal Studies and Masters in Criminology and Security Studies.
(NAN)
