NSCDC to tackle terrorism through ADR
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has said it is
contemplating deploying Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) strategies to tackle terrorism in the country.
The Commandant-General of the Corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin gave the indication while speaking at the Opening Ceremony of Phase 2 of technical training on principle and practice of mediation for NSCDC peace officers at the Corps Academy in Sauka, Abuja on Monday.
While pointing out that a pilot project had been successfully conducted in
Rivers and Kaduna States, he noted that the strategy will soon be deployed in volatile areas like Yobe and Borno States to address conflicts.
“We must not only preach peace but practice peace as well. We have
successfully organised two programmes for residents of Kaduna State. If you compare Kaduna with other neighbouring states, you will realise that there are differences.”
Dr. Abolurin also gave an example of Rivers State where violence has
reduced drastically though the Corps’ peace initiatives.
He maintained that following the success recorded after the pilot projects in the two states, it was important to move to other states of the federation.
“As soon as we have the opportunity, we want to move to Borno and Yobe
States.”
The Commandant-General said plans were in top gear to bring traditional
rulers as well as local Government chairmen into peace building
initiatives.
He maintained that most crimes are being committed in the suburbs, hence the need to bring the traditional rulers in.
700 officers to be trained
A total of 700 officers of the NSCDC will be trained on the principle and practice of mediation during the programme jointly organised
by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the NSCDC.
In April, 2013, about 500 officers were trained on ADR.
Declaring the programme opened, the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro said in no distance time, more officers will be included in the training exercise.
The Minister who was represented at the occasion by Director of
Paramilitary in the Ministry, Amuga Keftin, maintained that the country
needed an alternative means of conflict resolution now than ever following its numerous security challenges.
“As the country faces certain security challenges today, it is of course
necessary we all optimize acceptable alternatives in resolving strategic
issues without resorting to forceful intervention or more prolonged
litigations.”
He added that: “In helping Mr. President to achieve his transformation agenda, we must do our best to manage conflicts and aid the sustainability of peace; this is very expedient at a time like this.”
Moro charged the participants to take the training seriously, stressing
that the nation needed them this time than ever before.
The training programme will run for two weeks with participants drawn from Commands in all states of the federation and the Federal Capital
Territory.