Insecurity: Zamfara to Partner Institute for Security Studies

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with relevant security agencies, including the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), to tackle the menace of insecurity in the area.

Lawal spoke when he received participants of the NISS Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 17/2024 and faculty officials of the school at the Government House.

A statement on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, explained that the course theme is, “Artificial Intelligence, Security and Emerging Economies in Africa: Challenges and Prospects,” noting further that the course participants are drawn from various agencies within and outside the country.

Addressing the officials and course participants, according to the statement, Lawal commended the institute for choosing Zamfara for a study tour. The Governor said, “the decision is apt and promising in appreciating some critical variables for proper dissection of the theme.
“Like other parts of Nigeria, our state is endowed with abundant natural and human resources, which, as a necessary catalyst for economic progress, could open a broad spectrum of economic opportunities.

“Going back on the theme with a focus on the application of AI, the place of global trends, including the innovative application of Artificial Intelligence components towards maximization of benefits from minerals available in our state and in tackling existential threats bedeviling us, is a reality we must come to terms with.

“Fully aware of this, my administration has been working with security agencies and other partners toward leveraging available technological expertise to address our challenges.

“I therefore urge you, the course participants, to critically interrogate and analyse the existing scenarios and provide us with practicable recommendations relevant to the state government for implementation.

“Since we assumed office about a year ago, we have initiated specific measures, including regular state security council meetings to review the security situation, begin a thematic course of action for implementation and established the Zamfara State Security Trust Fund.
“We also engage in periodic issuance and enforcement of restriction orders on specific activities that tend to aid insecurity in the state;

promulgation of an Executive Order prohibiting traditional rulers from issuing consent letters for mining across the 14 LGAs in response to the established correlation between banditry and illegal mining.

“Declaration of state of emergency on Health sector and Education to achieve fast and drastic progress in these sectors for the well-being of citizens and a brighter future of the state; establishment of the Zamfara State Community Protection Guard (ZSCPG) to complement conventional law enforcement outfits in tackling security challenges in the state.”

Earlier, team leader of the delegation, Madam Patricia Edak, commended what she described as the impressive achievements of Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.

She stated, “Your Excellency, we have toured the state and witnessed the significant transformation you have brought about in a short period of your tenure. Zamfara State is fortunate to have you as their Governor.”