Operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Police, and the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others, have welcomed improved strategies in tackling crime, violence and insecurity in the Niger Delta by the European Union (EU) funded organisation, Search for Common Ground (SFCG).

The organisation had gathered security operatives from these agencies, including the State Security Service of Nigeria, and Correctional Law Enforcement officers, among others, from Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states for an enhanced refreshing specialised training on how to handle conflict issues without violence.

Some of the strategies the officers learnt include inclusive process, inter-agency collaborations, sensitisation, building trust and confidence with the people, peaceful resolution and dialogue.

While participating in the second segment of the refresher training in Port Harcourt, the NSCDC Head, Peace and Conflict  Resolution Unit, Port Harcourt Command, Chizoba Ekwem, said the improved strategies on anti-crime and violence reduction have great impacts yielding positive results in the region.

She said: “One of the common challenges in Niger Delta is oil bunkering. But by this training, we have learnt how to follow the bunkerers in strategic ways, not being confrontational with them.

“We search out, meet them and enlighten them because some of the boys don’t know the dangers and implications of pipeline vandalism. So, we sensitise them, preach peace to them and a good number of them are turning in, but when they resist, we use minimal force on them.”