Chiemelie Ezeobi
Following the incessant clashes between the police and the military, especially in Lagos State, the Nigerian Army yesterday called for inter-service synergy, noting that it is a panacea for curbing crime.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Okon, made this call during a courtesy visit on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, in Ikeja.
The GOC, who frowned at the inter rivalry between the police and the military, blamed the authority at the helm of affairs of both services.
He said the reason for his visit was to chart a new course for peace to reign between policemen and soldiers.
To start with, he said he has been preaching to his men against quarreling or fighting with any policeman in public because it was against the constitution of the Nigerian army.
He said: “The Nigerian army is ready to close ranks with the police as far as security is concerned in Lagos. I have gone round and heard a lot of issue and problems that exist in various parts of the state such as militancy, cultism, armed robbery, piracy, activities of pipeline vandals and so many other threats.
“I must however, commend the CP and his lieutenants for what they are doing since he took over. I have seen the way and manner peace has reigned in the state through your community policing drive.
“There is however need for synergy. I have gone round my units and have been preaching one sermon which is synergy and cooperation with the police and other services including those at the border.
“I am here today to foster that synergy. I want us to take this inter- service cooperation to another level like it is in Niger Delta where I come from.
“Between January and now, you can notice the disgraceful and unbecoming issue cropping up between security agencies in Lagos.
“The CP, other senior police officers and I are to be held responsible for this inter-service rivalry.â€
He added: “If a soldier continues to see police as his enemy and a fight ensues in the process, it is not the soldier or rank and file policeman that should be held responsible but the CP and me.
“This is because we have not fostered a situation where such inter-service rivalry will be eliminated.
“ From today, based on this understanding, partnership and what is happening here today, I want to believe there won’t be any situation where police and soldiers will be seen fighting.â€
He, therefore, urged senior police officers present to take the message back to their units and commands.
To solidify the move, the GOC said joint trainings, route match, show of force should be held between both sides regularly to pass the message of inter-service synergy.
In his response, the CP, who described the GOC’s visit as apt, said the synergy between the security agencies in Lagos was next to none, pointing out that some breakthroughs recorded by the command had been in joint collaboration with the military in particular.
Giving instances, he mentioned the role played by the military in tackling the menace of the Badoo ritual gang in Ikorodu and its environs.
He said: “We may have different roles but we are working for the same government and have same mandate of ensuring that peace reigns.
“It is also our duty to control our men. Unfortunately, as human beings, there might be misunderstandings, but we must quickly rise above that so the situation does not escalate.â€
He assured the general that the command under his watch would not only strengthen the synergy but would build a platform where subsequent CPs would toe the line.
