By Bose Adelaja

In the wake of various security challenges in the country, Society of Security Practitioners of Nigeria, SSPN has stressed the need for the government to put in place a frame work for participation of private security practitioners in its security efforts.

Addressing journalists in Lagos to herald the formal inauguration of the newly elected executive members of the body, which takes place today, Mr. David Akhimien said this will enable government and community leaders to be vigilant and security conscious at all times.

Akhiemien also called on security practitioners to be active in community policing, adding that the nation needed to triumph over the various challenges of the Islamic sect called Boko Haram.

He said the inauguration which takes place at SSPN’s office in Lagos will witness the likes of Brigadier General Abubakar Umar and a security expert, Chief Segun Labiyi as the guest lecturer.

“Henceforth, we should begin to look at the issue of national security from a different angle. Every security company should belong to a policing group in their respective communities; they must make sure their commandants and members at all levels are actively involved in order to proffer solution to security problems,” he said

Akhiemien also advised government that putting in place a frame work for participation of private security practitioners in the national security effort, “should be legally backed so that members will be actively involved”, adding that: “Most public practitioners stay in private environment, especially in the barracks, whereas the crime does not take place in barracks but in the larger society where the private practitioners carry out their operations”.

In his own contribution, Vice President, CSP Unuigbe Irheren, said the issue of security must not be left in the hands of quacks. ”Both private and public security organisations must be alive in their responsibilities to provide security for all citizens,” he added.