Agencies seek better understanding on security operations

Security agencies have called for better understanding by the populace in the ongoing efforts to protect lives and property in the country, adding that there have been tremendous improvement in the war against terrorists and other criminal elements in the country.
The call was made at the end of the monthly meeting of the Forum of Spokespersons in Security and Response Agencies in Lagos State, where it also had an interactive session with leadership of Nigeria Guild of Editors on the security situation in the country.
The Director Defence Information, who is also the Chairman of the forum, Major General Chris Olukolade, said: “There have been a greater improvement in inter-agencies as well as civil-military relationships which have contributed immensely in various operations to protect lives and property. We encourage communities to provide prompt and actionable intelligence to security forces that could lead to the capture of violent extremists and their weapons.
“In the last one month, the Nigerian troops have penetrated most of the hideouts of terrorists in the North-Eastern part of the country, especially some locations they had childishly carved out for themselves as new republic. The insurgents have been on the run and we will continue to pursue them.”
While commending the improved working relationship with the media, the forum urged media practitioners to be wary of individuals and groups who may inadvertently use freedom of expression to engage in inflammatory statements and reckless remarks that could undermine the integrity of security agencies as well as jeopardise military operations.
While the military offensive is being sustained to flush out terrorists from their hideouts in Nigeria, the forum commended the government’s initiative of soft approach to counter terrorism as preventive measures to dissuade youths from taking into bad habit that could aggravate insecurity in the land.
The forum also observed the fair reportage on the activities of security agencies, especially the Police, State Security Service and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in apprehending criminal elements.
The members also reviewed media coverage of operations of response agencies, especially the Federal Road Safety Commission, the National Emergency Management Agencies and Fire Services in the bid to address the plights of victims of disasters.
During the meeting, the forum also held an interactive session with the leadership of Nigeria Guild of Editors, led by Femi Adeshina, who commended the establishment of the forum and urged the members to be prompt in responding to media enquiries on security issues.
FOSSRA, under the auspices of Office of National Security Adviser, coordinates public information activities of armed forces, security and response agencies in Nigeria.