Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, on Wednesday, opened the 2021 security summit of Private Guard Companies (PGC) operating in the state.
The two-day summit holding in Sokoto was organised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sokoto Command, in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN).
The theme of the summit is “Strengthening of private security companies in providing grassroots security services.”
Tambuwal, represented by his Commissioner for Security, Alhaji Garba Moyi, said that the summit was apt and was holding at an appropriate time when the state was battling to address security challenges.
“Sokoto State is one among other states in the country facing security challenges, as security issues have become an important aspect of governance in the state.
“However, security being one of the responsibilities of government, we are committed to putting in place measures to support the mandate.
“On many occasions, we patronise and always encourage private security companies because government security alone cannot provide the required security,” he said.
Earlier the NSCDC Commandant, Sokoto State Command, Mr Muhammad Dada, said that the aim of the summit was to support private security firms toward having the best hands.
“As we are all aware, government security operatives alone cannot address the security challenges and as such we need to encourage private security companies to support us in ending the menace.
“The summit is to educate private security firms on how to get furnish us firsthand information as their personnel are closer to the people.
“This gesture from them will enhance security agencies performance in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for the people,” he said.
In his address, Mr Akpatre Nkanor, ALPSPN Chairman in the state, said the gesture was to enlighten the society on the important role of private security in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
“We are closer to the grassroots, as such we play a vital role in the security architecture of the country.
“With the current summit, we are fully convinced that our support and dedication are fully recognised.
“I want to assure the security agencies that private security companies will come up with measures that will ensure peace in the society,” he said. (NAN)
