At the heart of the 17th Department of Security Services (DSS) State Directors’ Conference in Bauchi, an alarming observation was made: the North-East region of Nigeria is facing various threats that weigh heavily on its security and development. Challenges of terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, communal conflicts and even climate change have left deep scars in this already fragile region.
In this context, Bakori, the Director of DSS in Gombe State, stressed that security is much more than the absence of violence. It is crucial to create an enabling environment for children to thrive, where families feel safe and education can be pursued without fear. This requires a holistic approach, emphasizing community resilience, strategic collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders to address the root causes of security challenges.
Participants were called upon to engage in functional strategies and propose concrete solutions to positively impact the lives of citizens in the region. The aim is to build a future where security is no longer a distant dream but a reality for all the people of the North East.
Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his Deputy Auwal Jatau, stressed the importance of leveraging the expertise of the DSS in intelligence gathering to combat insecurity. He stressed the need to address the root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment and social discontent to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Ultimately, this conference is of paramount importance in the quest for a more secure and prosperous North East region. It is about catalyzing concrete actions, strengthening linkages between key stakeholders and making security a tangible reality for all who call this region home. Only through collective effort and shared vision can we chart a path to a better future, where peace and security are solid foundations on which the hope of tomorrow rests.