A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the African Law Foundation (AfriLaw), has asked the Federal Government to allow private security outfits to participate in election monitoring.
The group made the call at a National Stakeholders’ Forum for Private Security held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mr. Okereke Chinwike, described private security as critical stakeholders in ensuring the protection of lives and property.
”Their participation in the election would go a long way in tackling security challenges. Some of the security challenges include violent demonstrations, theft of electoral supplies, and targeted attacks on leaders among others.
“The Private security industry is the largest single security sector in Nigeria and Africa.
“So, Nigeria cannot afford to leave them behind in active engagement in election security in Nigeria.
“Some of the roles of private security in the election include the provision of security in government installations, political party premises, and homes of political actors.
“They also complement formal security in crowd control during rallies and other political meetings.
“They equally provide frontline security response in the streets, estate, and communities as well as intelligence among others,” he said.
The forum, with the theme, “Private Security Service and 2023 Election in Nigeria”, was organized by AfriLaw in partnership with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) and other stakeholders.
