AIG Olaiya with representatives of the groups

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh

The leadership of the Zone 7 Command of the Nigeria Police Force has expressed readiness to partner with a team of three organisations planning a nationwide workshop on intelligence gathering and information management for youths in the country.

Head of the Police Zonal Command, Victor Olaiya, an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), gave the assurance while receiving in audience, representatives of the three groups, the Northern Youths and Elders Awareness Forum (NOYEAF); Verbatim News Network Limited, publishers of Verbatim Magazine and Verbatim Online Newspapers;  and Sir Mike Okiro Security Awareness Foundation, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.

In a press release issued and signed by Tobs Agbaegbu, Publisher of Verbatim Magazine; Mahmud Sani Yerima, Chairman/Founder of NOYEAF; and Savior Mike Okiro of Sir Mike Okiro Security Awareness Foundation on behalf of the Organizing Committee for the upcoming workshop, AIG Olaiya was quoted as confirming that authorization has been received from the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in the country to partner and support the organizers of the workshop to succeed in training youths in the country to learn the art of intelligence gathering Information Management as a tool for supporting security agencies in Nigeria to win the war against various forms of Crimes in the country.

During the courtesy visit, Agbaegbu also spoke elaborately on reasons why the three organisations are teaming up for the workshop, the purpose of which he said is to sensitise and enlighten the youths on the intricate process of intelligence gathering and supply to authorised agencies of Government, for application in fighting crimes.

He emphasised that crime fighting should not be left only in the hands of the police and other law enforcement agencies, and that as concerned and patriotic citizens of the country, the onus of fighting crime should be treated as a joint responsibility, which is the driving force of the team in initiating the program.

Saviour added that concerted efforts should be made towards synergy and collective involvement of all in fighting the current trend of crime and criminality in the country, among them, terrorism, banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, criminal scavenging, and drug-related crimes.

In his remark, the Chairman of Northern Youths and Elders Awareness Forum, Alhaji Sani Yerima informed the AIG that the group had earlier secured the endorsement of the Inspector General of Police for the project, and that since the program is meant to kick off in Abuja, the headquarter of North Central Zone, it became necessary to seek the support, endorsement and collaboration of the AIG.

Yerima further explained that the program, which is segmented to take place in all six political zones of the country, will kick off with a World Press Conference in Abuja, on a date to be announced soon.

In his final response, AIG Olaiya expressed his appreciation and that of his zone to the group for coming up with the laudable program, especially at the present time when there is a call for all hands to be on deck in fighting the security challenges bedevilling the nation.

He asserted that the job of policing the nation is not the sole responsibility of the police. And that the consciousness for all citizens to be involved in fighting crime is fast spreading, hence the slogan, “if you see something, say something.”

He assured the group of his support and that of his zone in the successful implementation of the program, which is for the good of the nation.

The meeting was rounded up by prayers from Saviour Okiro, who prayed for the success of the program.