Discussion
Details
There have been frequent clashes between personnel of security agencies and civil society due to the deployment of more security operatives in the area councils of the Federal Capital Territory to manage the rising political intolerance, violent protests by activists, radicalization, kidnapping, armed robbery and car theft. Similarly, the build-up of activities towards the 2019 general elections has further heightening the tendency for conflict. As part of our initiatives towards facilitating peace-building and cooperation between security agencies and citizens, we are using this roundtable meeting to create and expand platforms for both security agencies and citizens to engage in fruitful dialogue to enhance understanding and cooperation in tackling crime. The meeting seeks to analyse the issues that trigger misunderstanding, mistrust and conflict between them with the goal of discussing ways of improving the relationship. Through this meeting, personnel of security agencies would understand the concerns of the citizens and the need for respectful cooperation with citizens, while citizens would understand their roles in information sharing and vigilance, as well as the constitutional roles of security agencies in security management. The roundtable meeting is one of the fundamental activities of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung towards supporting the Security Sector Reform in Nigeria by promoting dialogue, information sharing and cooperation in order to improve the trust, confidence and relationship between citizens and security agencies. This program is funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany.