KANO: Ganduje proffers solutions to Nigeria’s security worry

GOVERNOR Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State, has proffered the panacea to Nigeria’s myriad security challenges by using the experience he garnered from tackling the same problem in his state.

Speaking during a paper presentation on “Promoting National Security and Economic Development: The Kano State Experience,” the governor recommended the use  Information Communications Technology (ICT), among other measures.

The presentation was hosted by the Executive Intelligence Management Course Dialogue (EIMC) of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), in Bwari, Abuja.

Ganduje also suggested other ways, such as community policing and the setting up of a joint security task force that would include the police, army, and other paramilitary groups.

 “The modern concept of National Security is predicated on the primary function of government to defend the citizens, the institutions and the economic development of the state,” he argued.

He explained that the activities of government are the driving force in achieving peace and stability in a nation, adding that, “national security is synonymous with economic development; No society will develop in an atmosphere of insecurity and terrorism.”

He said: “Security is presently a major challenge in the country. So, I am here to bring to your attention the Kano State experience in securing our environment when more people are getting into crimes in ruthless, desperate, and sophisticated ways.

“In an effort to tame kidnapping and other crimes, the Kano State government has adopted the ICT approach; we have the best tracking gadgets in the country.

“Community policing is one of the major steps we give priority for the security of the state. We established the Command and Control Centre to have all access to criminals with the sole aim of taming them for the security and development of our state and the country,” the governor said.

Another way of tackling insecurity, Ganduje offered, is the “establishment of a joint security task force that includes Police, Department of State Security, Army, Air Force, National Security, and Civil Defense Corps.”

While acknowledging that unemployment constitutes significant factor in increasing the rate of crimes, Ganduje disclosed, “Looking at that, made us think that we (Kano State) must come up with a modern skills acquisition centre,  which we did and named Aliko Dangote Skills Acquisition Centre, with over 20 different kinds of trades.”

Governor Ganduje, however, ascribed the feats recorded in the security sector in Kano State to his political will and “the development of institutions with committed people and modern equipment.”