In a far-reaching initiative aimed at better synergy, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Military have decided on a coordinated effort to deal with any situation they will be faced with in future.
Towards this end, to strengthen the working relationship between the Police and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the task of securing the nation both internally and against external aggression, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR on Thursday 30th November 2023 led principal staff officers of the Defence Headquarters on an official visit to the Nigeria Police Force at Louis Edet House Abuja.
General Musa who decried the unfortunate attack on the Adamawa State Police Command by some soldiers reiterates that a thorough investigation has been launched into the incident and there will be justice for the late Police personnel who lost his life during the ugly incident.
He said a standing court-martial for offenses has been established in all theatres of operations and those involved in the killings of the police officer and the gunfire exchange will face the music.
The Defence Chief also emphasized on the dual nature of the military system, where performance is rewarded and shortcomings are appropriately addressed. He assured members of the police force and all the security agencies to continue to act professionally 'a reminder is that Nigeria is our country we all have equal stake in this country."
He promised that more convergence meetings between the Nigerian police force and the armed forces of Nogeria will be organised to ensure close coordination between them.
The Defence Chief therefore cautioned officers and men of the military and police to shun unnecessary rivalry, also urged all security agencies to embark on a reorientation drive of their personnel for a more harmonious working relationship. He said joint training, social engagements among lower cadres will be organised to boost rapport amongst security forces in the Country.
Responding, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun thanked the CDS for his visit to the Nigeria Police headquarter especially at a critical time like this.
He said he was pleased at the assurance that the Adamawa incident is being investigated and expressed optimism that the process will be thorough and transparent so as to prevent a repeat of the unfortunate incidence.
IGP Egbetokun who expressed satisfaction with the inauguration of panel of inquiry into the Adamawa clash between police and army personnel those found culpable will face the law and justice will prevail.
"I want to assure the CDS that the police is committed to this collaboration and we intend to strengthen the collaboration and cooperation between the police and the military for the good of the people we are employed to serve the Adamawa incident which you just mentioned I am happy to hear that you have instituted an enquiry into it and you have assured or that whoever is found wanting be dealt with accordingly I trust your leadership I will trust that justice will be given to this case”he said.
SpyeTV Defence Correspondent earlier opined in her editorial that synergy amongst Nigeria security agencies which is the combined power of a group of things when they are working together, is greater than the total power achieved by each working separately.
A society’s most important component is security. The value of a country is correlated with its level of security.
Military, and police forces share responsibilities for human security, public order and public security, national security, and international security. Therefore it is important for them to focus primarily on the relationships between them and their overlapping objectives.
Paramilitary policing, military and police accountability, including operations under international and domestic rule of law, and international police operations should not be left out.
The highlight of the official visit is the presentation of souvenirs by the IGP Olukayode Egbetokun to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, a short closed-door meeting and a group photograph.