The directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) from the six states of the North East have met in Gombe State to brainstorm on tackling the security challenges bedevilling the sub-region.
Addressing participants of the 16th Conference of Heads of Security from the zone, the Director of DSS in Gombe, Habu Rabiu Sambo, said the conference provided a platform to fertilise ideas, share experiences of best practices and forge partnerships that would help them in ensuring the safety of the people.
He added that it was crucial to acknowledge the grave security threats plaguing the region, which he said were threatening the peace, lives and well-being of the people.
He said, “The region has been plagued by violence and instability perpetrated by the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), Boko Haram and other criminal elements.” Sambo noted that the key priority of the conference was to strengthen collaboration between security agencies and relevant stakeholders through information sharing, resources and expertise to develop a unified and effective strategy for improving security in the North East.
Declaring the conference open, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, underscored the importance of the security architecture in the state, North East and Nigeria in protecting lives and property.
He commended the directors for coming up with the initiative of the conference to brainstorm on challenges affecting the region and to proffer lasting solutions to the security menace.
