The Commandant of the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Umar Mohammed, has stated that rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, cultism, cybercrime, and other security threats can no longer be contained by conventional security agencies alone.

Speaking on Thursday at a security summit organised by the Kwara State NSCDC in collaboration with the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), he called for stronger collaboration between government forces and private guard companies.

The event, held at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, brought together key stakeholders in law enforcement, private security, and community leadership to strategise on improving safety across the state.

Mohammed stressed that integrating licensed private security personnel into broader security frameworks could enhance intelligence gathering, improve response times, and extend protection to underserved areas.

He described the partnership as essential for building resilient communities and restoring public confidence in the safety of homes, businesses, and public spaces.

Speaking at the summit, themed, "The Role of Private Security Guards in Crime Prevention and Intelligence Gathering," he said: "Private guard companies are often the first point of contact in our communities. When properly regulated and integrated, they can provide vital intelligence and support conventional security agencies in safeguarding lives and property."

In his goodwill message, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Security, Mallam Muyeeden Aliyu, commended security agencies for their sustained efforts in ensuring peace across the state. He assured that the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment and support security operations.

The chairman of the Kwara State chapter of ALPSPN, Samuel Yusuf Bola, also appealed for greater recognition and partnership with private security companies, stressing that they understand the local terrain and can play a stronger role in intelligence gathering.

Delivering a keynote paper titled "The Role of Private Guard Companies in Crime Prevention and Intelligence Gathering," former Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ajayi Okasanmi (retd), echoed the call for closer collaboration among security stakeholders, noting that unity of purpose is key to achieving a crime-free society.

The summit brought together top security stakeholders, policymakers, and private guard operators to chart new strategies for tackling insecurity through intelligence sharing and operational synergy.