Army, Police Agree to Establish Joint Security Operation Centres

The Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have agreed to establish a Joint Security Operation Centre with auxiliary offices across the country among the security and intelligence agencies for effective collaboration in tackling emerging security challenges.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, made this suggestion on Monday when he visited the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, at Army Headquarters, Abuja.

Idris noted that the centre will help to bring coordination, synergy, harmonised strategy and intelligence needed for effective operations against myriad of security challenges confronting the nation.

He listed some of the critical security challenges that would require the cooperation of the Nigerian Army to deal with as the incessant herdsmen’s attacks, kidnapping, armed robbery and insurgency.

He said: “During my inaugural speech, I mentioned the need to have a Joint Operations Centre at the Police Headquarters. I will like us to work in tandem with each other especially the areas we have security challenges in this country.

“The security challenges include the herdsmen/pastoralist attacks which are prominent in some states like Kano, Kaduna and Benue amongst others. There are also the issue of kidnapping, armed robbery and of course insurgency which you have largely dealt with.

“I assure you of our cooperation to ensure that this country remain safe, peaceful and secure.”

Responding, Buratai assured the IGP of closer working relationship both at the tactical, operational, and strategic level of the agencies.

He agreed with his Police counterpart that establishment of the Joint Operation Centre as a welcome development and an idea that has been long over due for implementation.