Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Thursday urged security operatives to disarm and demobilise all militia groups in the country before the general elections in 2015.

Al-Makura made the call in Lafia at the Security Summit organised by the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hajiya Zainab Abdulmumin, said the emergence of ethnic militias in parts of the country posed a great threat to the general elections.

He said there was need for security agencies to re-strategise their approach in order to nip the emerging trend in the bud to ensure peaceful and credible polls in 2015.

Al-Makura also said there was need for adequate funding and equipping of all security agencies.

He said this would enable them to respond promptly to incidents that might arise before, during and after the elections.

He also urged them to must be neutral in accordance with their rules of engagement.

Dr Ade Abolurin, Commandant -General of NSCDC, said there was need for the re-assessment of the present security strategy in order to ensure free, fair and credible elections acceptable to all.

Abolurin, represented by the Assistant Commandant General of Zone H, Mohammed Jega, said all stakeholders in the electoral processes should adequately prepare for the election.

He said that the prevailing security challenge in the country had thrown up a lot of uncertainties, taking a toll on the socio-political and economic sectors of the country.

The Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa state, Mr Ibrahim Idris, called for proper synergy amongst security outfits so as to overcome major security challenge facing the country before the elections.

Idris said officers and men of the various security outfits should understand their roles and responsibilities and apply them in complementary manner towards safeguarding lives and property of Nigerians.

“This will go a long way to eliminate the unhealthy rivalry and unnecessary competition among ourselves.

“This, sometimes, impede our success in overcoming the various security challenges bedeviling the country’’, Idris said.

The Nasarawa State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Amos Andekin, said the summit was a follow-up to the one organised by the national headquarters of the corps.

The theme of the summit is: “Security Uncertainties and Challenges of Elections: The Need for Reassessment of Security strategies.’’ (NAN)