by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Frank Mba, has disclosed that, the Imperative of Effective Security Communication Security is not just the responsibility of security agencies alone; it is a collaborative effort that involves government officials, security stakeholders, community leaders, and citizens.
He was speaking at the opening of a 3 days’ ‘Security Workshop’ in Jos the Plateau State on Tuesday, organised by the Plateau State Government, in partnership with Nigeria Institute of Social Media Analysts, Police School of Public Relations and Institute of Conflict Management and Negotiation Analyst.
The DIG Mba was represented by Dr. Segun O. Silas, who is National Deputy Coordinator Institute for Conflict Management and Negotiation Analysts. He said the major gap in their security management efforts has been the challenge of effective communication – both in crisis response and in preemptive security strategies.
The theme of the workshop was: ‘Effective Security Communication: Leverage on Digital Tools for De-escalation of Insecurity in Plateau State.’
According to him, “Effective security communication ensures that, information flows seamlessly, between government agencies, security operatives, and communities.
“False information and propaganda that fuel insecurity is countered with factual
Narratives; trust is built between the government and the people, fostering cooperation in intelligence gathering and crime prevention.”
He urged government officials, including aides, that they should manage crises effectively by aligning their communication strategies with security objectives.
The DIG further disclosed that, the Role of Digital Tools in Security Communication in today’s digital age is that information spreads at an unprecedented speed. Social media, online news platforms, and digital intelligence tools provide a dual-edged sword – when used effectively, they can enhance security communication; when misused, they can escalate insecurity. Leveraging digital tools is essential.
According to him, “The Early Warning Systems utilize artificial intelligence and social media analytics to detect security threats before they escalate, while
Crisis Management coordinates real-time responses using digital platforms to prevent misinformation and ensure timely intervention.
“Also, Community Engagement – uses digital platforms to foster trust between government officials and the people they serve, ensuring that communities feel heard and protected.
“A fundamental challenge that hinders effective governance and security communication is the dynamic between government officials and their aides.
“The effectiveness of a leader is largely influenced by the ability to navigate what has been termed the ‘conspiracy of aides’ syndrome. Too often, leaders become isolated from the realities outside the Government House, relying solely on the filtered narratives of their aides.
“While aides are tasked with managing crises, perception, goodwill, and vision, it is crucial that their roles are executed with skill, integrity, and strategic foresight,” he stated.
DIG Frank Mba stressed that, “To bridge this gap, there is a pressing need for structured training that facilitates bonding and understanding between leaders and their aides and enhances vision management to align governance with security objectives.
“Also, to strengthens reputation and perception management for improved public trust, and equips government officials with intelligence-gathering and crisis communication skills.
“Security challenges cannot be tackled in silos. A coordinated approach involving key government officials, security agencies, community leaders, and local vigilante groups is essential. This workshop aims to equip stakeholders with comprehensive security communication strategies for managing crises effectively, addressing perception disinformation.”
He added that, in order to enhance the ability of government officials to manage crises effectively so as to strengthen inter-agency collaboration for a more unified security strategy and improve the reputation of the state as a secure and investment-friendly environment; foster proactive leadership that ensures the sustainability of peace in Plateau State.
He urged them to support the Governor’s vision of securing lives, boosting economic activities, and ensuring good governance, which in turn enhances (the chances of) re-election prospects in 2027.
The D.I.G. stated that, “This workshop is a crucial investment in the security and stability of Plateau State,” and commended the Government for its support in funding this training, which is an investment in a safer, resilient, and sustainable Plateau State.
“By empowering government officials and security stakeholders with necessary communication skills, we can collectively work towards a future where peace and security are not just temporary milestones, but sustained realities,” he stated.