Expert Wants Armed Private Security Operatives

As part of measures
to address the security challenges in the country, a security expert, Squadron Leader N.E  Ordu-Obuah (rtd), has called for the enactment of laws that will authorise private security operatives to carry arms.
Ordu-Obuah, who spoke with The Tide in an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt, stated that such authorisation would empower private security personnel to engage the services of the conventional security which he described as insufficient.
The Rtd squadron leader, who is the secretary of the Rivers State branch of the Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (LPSPN) hinted that private security operatives in neighbouring communities like Ghana and Benin Republic are authorised to carry arms, but the Nigeria situation was different, resulting in daunting security across the country.
He regretted a situation where the police is attached to secure private investors, while the masses who need to be policed are not given deserving security attention.
According to the security expert, private investors should pay for private security services, while the conventional security apparatus should be adequately mobilized to secure the people.
He called for a complete overhaul of the Nigeria security system and emphasized that proper logistics should be provided for security personnel in terms of welfare and training to enable them discharge their duties effectively.
Commenting on the Federal Government war against insurgency, the security expert, said the Federal Government had recorded some success especially in the fight against Boko Haram, despite pockets of bombings still ongoing.
But he said not much attention was given to the violent onslaughts by Fulani herdsmen which has also developed into a monster.
Ordu-Obuah, who described insurgency as an international phenomenon, urged the Federal government to be holistic in the fight against terrorism by engaging the services of critical stakeholders for proper integrated services. The Rtd squadron leader, who is also a pastor of the Living Faith Church, said the licensed private security practitioners were ready to partner government at all levels to effectively tackle Nigeria security challenges.

Taneh Beemene