By Sophia Afolabi
The Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies and improved intelligence gathering as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
Speaking while receiving participants of Course 25 of the Defence Intelligence College (DIC), Abuja, at the Government House in Owerri, the governor said tackling insecurity requires coordinated efforts among security institutions and all levels of government rather than the actions of a single agency.
Uzodimma commended the Defence Intelligence College for exposing its participants to field operations, expressing confidence that recommendations from the study tour would help governments develop more effective strategies for addressing security threats across the country.
According to the governor, the relative security improvements recorded in Imo State were made possible through cooperation among security agencies. He stressed that safeguarding the country is a shared responsibility that depends on effective coordination and information sharing.
The governor identified unemployment, poor infrastructure and rapid population growth without corresponding economic opportunities as some of the underlying factors fueling insecurity. He argued that sustained economic development remains the most effective long-term solution to the nation’s security challenges.
He urged intelligence officers to strengthen collaboration, improve information sharing and engage local communities more effectively to prevent security threats before they escalate.
Uzodimma also encouraged members of the delegation to engage security agencies in Imo State and study the state’s security framework, expressing optimism that their findings would provide practical recommendations for improving security management nationwide.
Earlier, leader of the delegation, Commodore Usman Bugaje, said the visit was part of the college’s practical training programme on operational intelligence and crisis prevention. He added that participants would submit recommendations after interacting with security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the state.
Bugaje said Imo was selected for the study because of what he described as the security improvements recorded under Uzodimma’s administration. He thanked the governor for hosting the delegation.
