25/11/2017
The following, is part of a write up, I put together after my visit to Nigeria.
One of the impediment against private security operations in Nigeria is the seemingly lack of clear cut legislation on the operations of private security outfit, for this reason, they are afraid to carry out there duties because they are not sure of the boundaries.
There are no established protocol on operational procedures.
Lack of cooperation between the Police and the private security operative, always lead to confrontation with the police and other law enforcement agents who in most cases have the upper hand.
The welfare and morals of officers are low, they feel unprotected and are not properly care for by their employer.
In my recent visit to Nigeria, at the newly built Lagos airport car park, a private security guard at the park expected a tip from me for asking for a direction on were to change money. This is unprofessional and potentially dangerous, imagine what this means if I am a criminal or a terrorist?
After careful analysis, I came to the following conclusions.
My security is my responsibility and the security of our environment and society is and should be our collective responsibility.
Through public enlightenment, training and organized actions against security lapses, we can combat crime and terrorism.
Effectively employing security gadgets if and when available, cctv, body scanners, hand held metal device etc.
The private security officers in Nigeria should understand that they are not law enforcement officers, but rather, in a cooperate environment, they are and should be seen as a customer service officers.
They are the first contact to the organisation they represent,
they have to be professional and have clear understanding of the organisation and the businesses they guard.
Be Polite and assertive
Be clean and smart
Be able to communicate fluently
Maintain a visible physical present.
The citizens must understand that submitting yourselves for security check, does not diminish your status or reduces your importance.
By cooperating with the security officer, you are effectively contributing your quarter towards combating terrorism and crimes.
Lets join hands to stamp out terrorism.