Security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Police, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and others, have expressed their commitment to enhancing strategies for tackling insecurity in the Niger Delta, with support from the European Union-funded organization, Search for Common Ground (SFCG).
SFCG gathered security personnel from these agencies, including the State Security Service and Correctional Law Enforcement officers from Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States, for specialized refresher training focused on conflict resolution without resorting to violence.
The training covered strategies such as fostering inclusive processes, encouraging inter-agency collaboration, conducting sensitization campaigns, building trust and confidence with local communities, and promoting peaceful resolution through dialogue.
At the refresher training in Port Harcourt, Chizoba Ekwem, the Head of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit at NSCDC Port Harcourt Command, emphasized that the improved strategies in anti-crime and violence reduction have been effective in yielding positive outcomes in the region. “One of the common challenges in the Niger Delta is oil bunkering, but through this training, we’ve learned to track bunkers strategically, avoiding confrontations,” Ekwem said. “We engage with them, educate them on the dangers and consequences of pipeline vandalism. Many are turning away from the practice, but when they resist, we apply minimal force.”
Emmanuel Ogbumgbada, Deputy State Commander for NDLEA in Rivers State, noted that while conflict is a part of life, the training has equipped them to prevent it from escalating into violence.
Chorbe Joshua, Consortium Manager at SFCG, explained that the training is part of their conflict resolution project aimed at fostering better relationships between security personnel and civilians, with the goal of addressing criminality and violence in the region. He highlighted the importance of continuous training for security officers, as it reinforces their commitment to serving the public and creating a safer society. Joshua also pledged ongoing support from SFCG and the EU to sustain the initiative.
A total of 35 security officers participated in the training, which is being implemented in partnership with Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN) and the Foundation for Peace Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND).
