Synergy Between Ex-Service Chiefs, Private Security Outfits, Security Agencies, Key In Resolving Insecurity – Soneye
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – A United States trained security expert, Mr Femi Soneye, has advocated for a strong synergy between the government, the private security organisations and retired personnel to address the rising security challenges confronting Nigeria.
Speaking on the topic; “National and Global Insecurity,” at an interactive session with journalists in Lagos on Thursday, Soneye said security summit and screening of the independent outfits and NGOs was imperative.
Soneye, who also the publisher of Persecond News online based in the United States, explained that the emergence of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram among terrorists groups that are armed with rocket-propelled grenade launchers and other sophisticated weaponry, has made it imperative for a multi-level and integrated approach involving such a needed synergy.
He further said that based on his background as an information and intelligence gatherer, he was motivated to acquire military training and also serve in the US Air Force, adding that having access to accurate and timely information and intelligence, provides enough sign post for personal and national security-consciousness.
He further said; “Journalism not only as a news gathering, processing and disseminating media channel, but as the art of intelligence gathering, has helped me to make a successful foray into security issues.”
Soneye advised journalists to work to raise their level of awareness and security consciousness by not only consuming information they receive but also use it for personal, community and national security.
The security expert applauded President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration and the security agencies for providing the necessary stimulus required for the war against insurgency, crime and criminality since 2015.
In his words; “The military and other security forces have been redirected in their onslaught against insurgents which has helped in degrading them.’’
He however noted that it is waste of national resources to allow retired army generals, police inspectors-general and other officer cadres to rot away in their retirement life without tapping from their wealth of experience by bringing them together to brainstorm over security matters at different security fora.
According to him; “In the U.S. during war time, they will re-engage them and also use them to train and retrain younger personnel. As a matter of fact, there is what is called the “COPS” office committed to supporting military veterans and the law enforcement agencies.”
” Military veterans and those that have served demonstrate strong work ethic, and the ability to work in teams and in challenging situations. These skills make them ideal candidates for Police work”.
” Whether a former military member has combat experience or not, they were surely exposed to stress with expectations of success and nothing less, making them stress managers. “Law enforcement is filed with hours of calm and moments of extreme stress.” Many of them won’t crack under this type of pressure because they were trained to perform.”
Talking on the nexus between security and technology, the publisher said he had also joined the “Army’’ of technology-savvy folks to join forces with the Nigerian government and other bodies in the fight against insecurity using the leverage of information and intelligence gathering skills and the military training.
Soneye, who served at the Andrews Air Force base now Joint Base Andrews, in Washington, was honored with Medals for heroic/lifesaving acts of bravery and distinguished graduate in recognition of outstanding academic achievements at the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Command and also a certified US Department of Defense Language Proficiency Expert Linguists.
