Terrorists, Criminal Elements Now Pose As Security Personnel – NSA

NSA-DASUKINational Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), on Monday in Abuja warned Nigerians to be extra vigilant when hiring security personnel, saying such measures could lead to the recruitment of terrorists and people with criminal tendencies.

Dasuki gave the warning during a one-day workshop with the theme, ‘Importance of Security Awareness and Drills in Contemporary Nigeria’, which was jointly organised by Office of the NSA, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Department of Security Service.

The workshop attracted mostly religious, traditional and community leaders, who are expected to convey the message to people at the grass roots.

The NSA, who was represented by Maj-Gen. Babatunde Samuel (rtd.), said investigation had revealed that some of the security personnel patronised by several individuals, communities and organizations, were in most cases unqualified people with questionable characters.

He said, “I also wish to warn you about the personnel you patronise in the course of improving security. You should be careful because those that have been vetted are found to have no fixed addresses or the requisite qualification or expenses that they claim to have.

“Some are even of questionable character; you must therefore check their antecedents before you patronise them. It is based on the imperative to make Nigerians security conscious that the Federal Government gave you (participants) the opportunity to become pioneers of the rejuvenated national security awareness programme.”

Dasuki said the Federal Government, through the DSS, had carried out vulnerability assessment of ministries, departments and agencies to improve their security apparatus.

The NSA stressed that the Federal Government is doing its best to discharge its constitutional responsibilities by “putting adequate measures in place to detect and arrest the menace of terrorists, religious intelorance, armed robbery, kidnappings, pipeline vandalism, piracy, corruption and other related crimes that impact negatively on Nigeria image and economy.”

He added, “You should know that the Federal Government, through the DSS, has undertaken a robust vulnerability assessment of most MDAs in Abuja. This was subsequently followed up with improved access control by providing other vehicles inspection system, mobile detectors.

“Security inspection committees were also set up by various MDAs to ensure compliance with the security regulations as they affect the safety of government personnel, documents, facilities and structures.”