Violence-free polls: NSCD, Police brainstorm in Lagos

Aderanti and Gabriel

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCD) Commandant, Lagos State, Mr. Abafe Gabriel with his lieutenants, yesterday paid a visit to the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti on how both agencies can work together to forestall bloodshed in the forthcoming elections in the state.

According to Gabriel, the visit was also to commend and appreciate Aderanti and his men on the brilliant manner security issues in the state are being handled and tackled.

Gabriel said: “The police have been diligently carrying out its mandate and we commend their efforts. The police and NSDC need to work together and outline ways to protect the people during the election. We can’t do it alone. NSDC, being the last born of the security agencies in Nigeria, have come to seek for ideas on ways we can work together for the good the state and country.”

Responding to Gabriel, Aderanti said that the command welcomes the request, adding: “In a time like this, all security agencies should work together to ensure the election is well coordinated. Therefore, the security of the people should be the major priority of the security agencies in ensuring a peaceful, vibrant and secured society, which are their objectives.”

 Aderanti promised to partner and work with NSDC, stressing that political leaders should do everything within the ambit of the law to ensure peace during and after the elections.

On Tuesday, Gabriel also went to Lagos Airport, to visit the Director, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Sule Haliu, on how to improve synergy between the forces.

Haliu expressed delight, adding that Lagos is a difficult terrain, thus help from any corner is important.

Haliu said: “We can achieve success by assisting one another. All agencies lacked all the basic logistics to tackle all crimes, but when forces are joined together, all difficulties could be surmounted. “

The Director used the opportunity to tell Gabriel and his entourage about a dangerous drug in the country now, called Methamphetamine.

He said: “The drug is dangerous and now processed in Nigeria. In fact, in Lagos. It is been sold outside the country. It causes so much damage and a kilo can reproduce 5 kilo of the drug at the lab, even the waste product is very cancerous. NSDC should be vigilant to assist NDLEA apprehend anyone found in possession or any suspected group of people involved in such production.”

Gabriel on Monday visited the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Command, Mr. Hyginus Omeje. Gabriel called for joint effort between FRSC and NSDC.

Omeje, while promising to work with NSDC, said that inter-agency relationship was key to improving cordiality amongst agencies. He further urged for in house training for sister agencies in order to better understand one another’s role.