Northwest DSS directors mobilise against terrorism, banditry

Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria's Northwest region have stressed the urgent need for improved intelligence sharing and operational coordination to effectively combat terrorism, banditry, and other security threats plaguing the area. This call to action emerged from the Northwest Conference of State Directors of Security (SDS) held in Katsina, under the theme "Unite Against Terror."

The conference provided a crucial platform for intelligence-led agencies to review emerging security challenges and devise unified strategies. Alhaji Alhassan Iliyasu, the Katsina State Director of Security, highlighted the importance of the gathering for comparing experiences, identifying operational weaknesses, and strengthening countermeasures against criminal activities across the Northwest. He noted that the fight against terrorism requires a collective effort involving security agencies, communities, and other relevant stakeholders.

Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Ibrahim, Commander of the 17 Brigade, underscored the theme's timeliness, stating that synergy among security agencies is no longer an advantage but a necessity against evolving, borderless threats. While acknowledging the role of military operations, he emphasized that actionable intelligence, human intelligence, surveillance, and community networks are critical for effective counter-terrorism. Ibrahim urged security agencies to close information and coordination gaps through real-time sharing and joint planning.

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State commended the DSS for its efforts and stressed that victory against terrorism depends on a united front between security forces and the populace. The conference aimed to culminate in a communiqué serving as a roadmap for security agencies, reinforcing the message that societal participation is vital in confronting these pervasive threats.

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Unite Against Terror involves everybody, not only the security agencies, but the entire society.