Experts solicit regular training for personnel

The experts spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in their reaction to cases of accidental discharge by some security personnel in the country.

Mr Olaitan Adams, a security consultant, said that such training should be regular and should dwell on how to handle arms.

"Aside the training, the agencies should also subject the officials handling guns to periodic psychological evaluation to monitor and stabilise their state of mind,’’ he said.

Also, Mr Charles Sullivan, Head, Media Operations at Bells Security, told NAN that most cases of accidental discharge on the part of the security officials could be traced to frustration and poverty.

"Although security personnel have no excuse for accidentally shooting, it is important that government and employers in security agencies make welfare of their personnel a priority,’’ he said.

Mr Azeez Bankole, a security expert, called for proper scrutiny of those shortlisted for employment into security outfits to ascertain that the best qualified candidates were recruited.

Mr Aliyu Hamza, retired security personnel, urged government to do more in terms of welfare of security personnel to elicit maximum productivity from them.

He said that the role of security personnel in protecting life and property in the country could not be over emphasised.

NAN recalls that the Nigeria Police had recently circulated some phone numbers for Nigerians to report indecent acts of the police.

The numbers are Provost Marshall -- 09053872207, Control Room -- 09053872208 and X-Squad -- 09053872209.