Reps Back Intelligence Funding to Tackle Insecurity

By AbdulHakeem Mutiu Adejum-Ajeseku, Abuja-Nigeria

BTvNEWS: The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, has reiterated the commitment of the House leadership to ensure adequate funding for intelligence gathering, a crucial step in combating insecurity in Nigeria.

This assurance was given at a one-day public hearing on a bill to establish the Nigerian Security and Intelligence Trust Fund.

The proposed trust fund aims to provide funding for security-related issues, beyond the usual budgetary provisions from the federation. This initiative is expected to intervene in combating security issues in Nigeria, organized by the House Committee on Security and Intelligence in Abuja, BTV News reports.

Represented by Hon. Victor Nwokolo, the speaker emphasized that insecurity has been a major threat to Nigeria, resulting in the loss of lives and property. Despite the challenges, security agencies have continued to work with limited resources, underscoring the need for support for the bill.

Hon. Ahmed Satomi, the sponsor of the bill and chairman of the committee, commended all agencies and stakeholders who attended the hearing. He noted that the bill will help address security challenges by providing funds for training, research, and development for security agencies.

Satomi stressed that a kinetic approach alone does not guarantee peace and security. Instead, the application of non-kinetic approaches, such as funding intelligence gathering mechanisms, will significantly enhance the security of lives and properties in Nigeria.

The Commandant-General of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Navy Captain Umar Bakori (rtd), praised the public hearing as apt and timely. He highlighted the sacrifices made by vigilante members, who are present in all 774 local government areas of the country and have been using their personal resources to combat insecurity.

Navy Captain Bakori expressed optimism that the National Security Trust Fund will provide financial support to security organizations like the VGN. He also commented on the bill seeking to establish the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, stating that they are hopeful it will become a reality.

The public hearing provided a platform for stakeholders to submit their positions on the bill. Representatives from the armed forces, police, Nigerian Customs Service, DSS, Ministry of Defense, and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, among others, all contributed to the discussion.

In conclusion, the House of Representatives has demonstrated its commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges through the proposed Nigerian Security and Intelligence Trust Fund.

This initiative has the potential to significantly enhance the country’s security landscape, and its successful implementation will depend on the support and cooperation of all stakeholders involved.