By Daniel Abia

Security agencies including Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Police, the National Drugs law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) among others, have indicated their readiness to an improved strategies in tackling insecurity in the Niger Delta by the European Union Funded Organisation, Search for Common Ground (SFCG).

The organisation had gathered Security operatives from the above agencies including the State Security Service of Nigeria, Correctional law Enforcement officers etc from Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers States for an enahnced refreshing specialied training on how to handle conflict issues without allowing it result to any form of violence.

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

Speaking at the refresher training for security officers 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 reductionn has great impacts yielding postive results in the region.

“One of the common challange in Niger Delta is oil bunkering, but by this training, we have learnt how to follow the bunkerers in strategic ways ,not being confrotational 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 sensitize them, preach peace to them and good number of them are turning in but when they prove resistance, we use minimal force on them’

Also, the Deputy State Commander , NDLEA Rivers State, Emmanuel Ogbumgbada, said, though conflict is part of life but the training have taught them not to allow conflict degenerate to voilence.

“There should be room for dialogue and peaceful resolution. Thanks to SFCG for the trainning. It has been very useful to us” he said.

On his part, the Consortium Manager, SFCG, Chorbe Joshua, said, the training is part of the organisations conflict resolution project in Niger Delta aimed at ensuring better interactions between different security operatives and the civilians with the purpose of addressing issues of criminality and voilence in the region.

“Information sharing is very important, inclusive approach is also vital, it is where the operatives have to appreciate each others efforts towards tackling voilence menance , eradicate issues of criminality within the region. The target is to achieve reduction of violent confrotation”.

While noting that training and retraining security officers was key to a better society as such reinforces their commitment to serve , he pledged the support of SFCG and EU to sustaining the process.

No fewer than 35 security officers were trained and the project is being implemented in partnership with Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN) and Foundation for Peace Initiative in Niger Delta (PIND).