Experts Urge Government to Deepen Private Sector Involvement in Security

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

  The Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 concluded with a strong call for greater private-sector participation in the nation’s security architecture, as stakeholders highlighted key achievements and proposed reforms aimed at strengthening national security.

Delivering the closing remarks, Co-Convener and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Elbroco International Security Company Ltd, Dr Abubakar Muhammed Sani, urged the Federal Government to review existing laws and policies to create more opportunities for private-sector involvement in security operations.

He emphasised that safeguarding the nation should not be left solely to government institutions, stressing that security is a shared responsibility that requires contributions from all sectors of society.

According to him, opening up the security space would enable more Nigerians to deploy their expertise, innovation, and resources toward addressing the country’s growing security challenges.

Dr Sani expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, describing the President as receptive to constructive ideas and stakeholder engagement. He appealed to the government to carefully consider recommendations generated during the conference as part of efforts to enhance national security and accelerate development.

The security expert also advocated stronger government support for indigenous defence manufacturers. He noted that patronising locally produced military equipment and technologies would not only boost domestic capacity but also create employment opportunities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Reflecting on the conference’s accomplishments, Dr Sani said one of its major successes was the establishment of a platform that brought together licensed private security companies, consultancy firms, government agencies, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and collaborate on common security goals.

He further revealed that discussions at the conference strengthened support for the establishment of state police across the country. While acknowledging that he previously had reservations about the proposal, he said contributions from participants helped reshape his views on the issue.

According to him, potential challenges associated with state policing can be addressed through proper legal and institutional reforms, making it a viable option for improving security at the grassroots level.

Dr Sani also praised the capabilities of Nigerian-owned companies operating within the defence and security sector. He said the exhibition showcased impressive locally manufactured military hardware and security technologies, demonstrating that indigenous firms possess the expertise and capacity to contribute significantly to the country’s defence needs.

He described the exhibition as a testament to the growing potential of Nigeria’s defence industry and called for sustained support to help local companies compete effectively and meet national security demands.

The conference ended with renewed optimism among participants, who expressed hope that the recommendations and partnerships forged during the event would contribute to building a safer and more secure Nigeria.

Security Stakeholders to Seek Joint Solutions at NPSC 2026

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

As Nigeria continues to grapple with a range of security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, oil theft, and communal conflicts, stakeholders are increasingly calling for innovative approaches and broader partnerships to strengthen national security.

While security agencies have recorded notable successes in combating criminal activities across various parts of the country, experts argue that the evolving nature of modern threats requires greater collaboration between government institutions, private security operators, technology providers, investors, and local communities.

It is against this backdrop that the organisers of the National Private Security Conference (NPSC) 2026 have unveiled plans for a high-level national dialogue aimed at exploring ways to integrate private sector capabilities into Nigeria’s security architecture.

Speaking at the conference’s World Press Conference in Abuja on Thursday, Chairman of NPSC 2026, Dr Charles Awuzie, described the event as a strategic platform designed to foster innovation, policy engagement, and collaboration among key players in the country’s security ecosystem.

According to Awuzie, Nigeria is at a defining moment in its security journey, where emerging threats demand not only courage and commitment but also fresh ideas and stronger partnerships.

“The security challenges facing our nation require collective action. Government institutions cannot work in isolation. We need a framework that encourages collaboration while preserving the leadership role of state security agencies,” he said.

Awuzie explained that the National Private Security Conference is an independent and non-partisan initiative established to promote dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders who share a common goal of building a safer and more secure Nigeria.

He emphasised that the platform is neither a political movement nor a lobbying group but rather a forum dedicated to generating practical solutions to contemporary security challenges.

The conference, scheduled for June 13, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, will be held under the theme “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture.”

According to the organisers, the theme reflects a growing global reality that effective security systems increasingly rely on partnerships with governments, security agencies, private sector operators, researchers, technology innovators, investors, and communities.

Awuzie said discussions at the conference would focus on key areas such as security policy, intelligence integration, private-public partnerships, defence manufacturing, surveillance technologies, artificial intelligence, security financing, and emerging trends that are shaping the future of national security.

He disclosed that the event is expected to attract prominent security and government officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, senior military officers, police leaders, lawmakers, defence industry executives, international security experts, investors, researchers, and policymakers.

The NPSC chairman stressed that the organisers are committed to ensuring that the conference delivers measurable outcomes rather than becoming another platform for speeches without implementation.

“Our goal is to facilitate discussions that lead to practical recommendations capable of supporting policy development, strengthening the security industry, attracting investment, and improving security outcomes across Nigeria,” he said.

Awuzie expressed confidence that Nigeria possesses the expertise, institutional capacity, and resources required to build a modern and resilient security ecosystem. However, he noted that greater coordination and collaboration remain essential for unlocking the country’s full security potential.

Therefore, he called on government agencies, security institutions, industry leaders, development partners, investors, media organisations, and members of the public to participate in the conference and contribute to shaping a safer future for the nation.

According to him, strengthening cooperation across sectors will improve public safety and protect economic investments, enhance national resilience, and support Nigeria’s long-term growth and prosperity.

EFCC Arraigns Man Over Alleged N3.5m Fake FIRS Job Scam in Gombe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a man, Dalhatu Yahaya, before the Gombe State High Court over an alleged job scam involving N3.5 million.

Yahaya was docked on Thursday before Justice A.M. Yakubu of High Court 2 in Gombe on a two-count charge bordering on alleged intent to defraud.

According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly collected N3.5 million from one Abubakar Shuaibu Yakubu in 2025 under the pretext of securing employment for him at the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The prosecution told the court that the representation was false and contravened provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

One of the charges alleged that Yahaya induced the complainant to part with the money with a promise to facilitate the job placement, an offer prosecutors said he knew was fraudulent.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following his plea, prosecution counsel J.D. Tortema asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant in a correctional facility.

However, defence counsel Yusuf A. Ali informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on behalf of his client.

Justice Yakubu subsequently granted Yahaya bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in a like sum.

The court ruled that the surety must be a resident of Gombe, own landed property worth at least N5 million, and be a person of credible standing.

The judge also directed the surety to submit the original documents of the property, a valid means of identification, and an international passport for verification by the court registrar.

The case was adjourned to June 22, 2026, for commencement of trial, while the defendant was ordered to remain at the Gombe Correctional Service pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.