Experts X-ray roles of NGOs in combating asymmetrical national security challenges

Experts X-ray roles of NGOs in combating asymmetrical national security challenges

Joel Oladele, Abuja 

As the Nigerian Army seeks to strengthen its partnership with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to combat asymmetrical national security challenges, experts have presented key strategies for effective grassroots intelligence gathering and gender-sensitive communication.

Speaking at a 2-day First National Roundtable on “Asymmetrical National Security Challenges, the Army and National Development” organized by the Nigerian Army Resources Centre (NARC) in collaboration with Development Specs Academy (DSA), Head of Training and Legal Services, DSA, Barrister Margaret Agbo, emphasized the importance of community engagement, regular engagements with local leaders, direct observation of community life, surveys, and focus group discussions in gathering intelligence.

According to Agbo, these strategies can help identify community social pressures, needs, opinions, and experiences, which are crucial in addressing national security challenges.

“The use of social media and online platforms to elicit responses that give real-time information, to enable stakeholders gauge one public phenomenon or the other;

“Use mobile APPs to obtain survey data in areas with high mobile phone penetration, collaborative engagements with Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) and other local social platforms for greater penetration of the grassroots.

 “By understanding the social dynamics of a community, we can develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of insecurity,” Agbo stated.

The Executive Director/CEO of HEDDA’s Humanitarian Assistance Center (HHAC),Hope Ayabina, also stressed the need for trust-building between the military and NGOs. 

She suggested that the military can regain the trust of civilians by engaging with their activities, providing development projects, and conducting joint operations with NGOs.

“Through the NGOs, the military can also Introduce and sponsor events that attract the community leaders, youth groups, women groups, religious leaders etc

“While at that, you will learn the mannerisms of the community members and understand the methods most appropriate for intelligence gathering.

“And to make reasonable progress, we suggest the military organize Annual or quarterly meetings and retreats with their partner NGOs and CBOs share progress reports, review and update intelligence gathering strategies,” she suggested.

Also in another presentation, Agbo emphasized the importance of gender-sensitive communication in promoting national security. “Gender-biased language and communication can perpetuate discrimination and social exclusion.

 “We must strive for inclusive language that promotes equality and promotes a sense of belonging,” she said 

The two experts’ presentations were part of a discussion on “Military Partnership for Intelligence Gathering with Non-Governmental Organizations” and “Fundamentals of Gender-Sensitive Communication for Improved National Security”.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, Ali Muhammad Ali, called on professionals in the communication industry to take the lead in combating infodemics, misinformation, and fake news that threaten national security.

According to Ali, infodemics, misinformation, and fake news have become a major concern globally and Nigeria is not immune to their negative effects.

The Managing Director also emphasized the need for institutions to promote digital literacy among their communications professionals, especially with the increasing use of artificial intelligence technologies that can generate convincing fake texts, images, audio, and videos.

He also urged communication specialists to be innovative and refrain from a one-size-fits-all communication approach.

The roundtable brought together experts to discuss ways to address asymmetrical national security challenges facing Nigeria. The event aimed to provide a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in addressing these challenges.

Consultant Director, Corporate Affairs and Information Services (DCAIS) at NARC, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), in his paper titled: “Role of Non-Violent Communication Case Study of Army Civilian Relations National Security Communication” reiterated the importance of Non-Violent Communication (NVC) by the Army in order to win the trust of the civilian populace. 

According to the former Spokesman for the Nigerian Army, the institution has to adopt a more humane attitude towards the civilian populace including the media to win the trust of the citizens. 

“Part of the ways to win the trust of the civilians is to treat them like human beings and with respect to offer the Army information to win the war in banditry and insurgency. Human rights violations should be avoided too,” Usman said.

In his paper titled: “Training and Retraining Templates for Security- Sensitive Communication and Reporting”, Deputy Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Baze University, Abuja, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, urged information managers of the Army to be mindful of misinformation, disinformation and too much information that is in the media in the course of doing their jobs.

The Director General NARC, Maj. General Garba Ayodeji Wahab (rtd), commended participants and promised that all the ideas gathered during the programme will be submitted to the Office of Chief Of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja for action. 

The Executive Director DSA and Strategic Management, Leadership and Governance Consultant, Professor Okey Ikechukwu, who coordinated the programme believes that participants, drawn mainly from Nigerian Army and media would have been richly educated by attending the two-day event hence they will be expected to change agents in the  asymmetrical national security challenges facing Nigeria.