By Philip Yatai

The world’s largest association for security professionals, ASIS International, says tackling insecurity requires cutting-edge ideas, best practices, and latest advancements in technology.

Mr Edward Orim, Chairman, ASIS, Abuja Branch 273, said this in Abuja on Saturday, during the association’s 2023 Annual General Meeting and Awards Night.

Orim said the chapter was providing a platform for its members and other security stakeholders to produce cutting-edge technology, ideas, and best practices with a view to address insecurity in Nigeria.

He described ASIS as an industrial security organisation and open to partnership with government agencies, particularly the office of the National Security Adviser.

He reiterated ASIS International’s commitment to advancing security professionalism in curbing insecurity through building partnership among leaders, experts, and security professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for our chapter. We not only successfully hosted the Sub-Saharan African Conference right here in the heart of Abuja in July but also witnessed a remarkable surge in our membership base.

“The resounding success of the conference showcased the dedication and expertise of our members, firmly placing ASIS Abuja on the regional and international map.

“This is a testament to the value that ASIS International provides to security professionals in Abuja.

“It is inspiring to see our community expanding, fostering a network of security experts committed to excellence and continuous learning and networking with a view to keep everyone safe’’, he said.

In his keynote address, retired Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa, National Coordinator, Counter Terrorism Center, Office of the National Security Adviser, said there was need for stronger private sector participation in advancing national security.

Musa, who spoke on the theme, “Reflecting on 2023: A Retrospective View of Evolving Threats Landscape in Nigeria”, stressed the need for the private sector to embed national security values in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.

“In contemporary discourse, national security involves the collective ability of a country to protect its people, interests, values, and critical infrastructure.

“It is also about growing and developing the national economy; preparing and responding to natural disasters, environmental degradation, and climate change; ensuring food security; protecting its digital footprint against cyberattacks or exploitations among others.

“The idea has also gone beyond a strictly government’s business to a shared responsibility among the citizenry with both state and non-state actors involved in various components of national security,” Musa said.

He said there was need for the public and private sectors to effectively partner to protect people, facilities, and national infrastructure assets.

This, according to him, is critical as threats to national security have evolved and become even more complex, with the root causes of insecurity often embedded in the imbalances within the social development fabric of the society.

According to Musa, the task of maintaining and ensuring peace and security in the country is achievable when the private sector collaborates and cooperates with the public sector.

During the award ceremony, ASIS Abuja Security Development Award 2023, went to Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, and Mr Yusuf Bichi, Director General Department of State Services.

Others are Sen. Haliru Jika, Senate and House Committee Chairman, Police Affairs, and Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (Rtd), National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Center.

Outstanding Journey Management and Escort service provider 2023 Award went to AlphaFort, while Beacon Consulting Ltd received the Outstanding Risk Management and Consulting Company 2023 Award.

Also awarded are Graceworth Nigeria Ltd as the Outstanding Secure Transportation and Close Protection Company, while Edgard Consulting Ltd received the Outstanding Security Training and Education Services Company 2023 Award.

Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary Federal Capital Territory Administration Command and Control, received the Government /Regulatory Sector 2023 Award. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne