The Federal Government is considering the establishment of a National Guard to address emerging security threats and emergencies in the country.

The Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja‎ when the Adjutant General of the California National Guard, U.S, paid him a courtesy visit.
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The minister however stressed that a lot of consultations would be done before any decision is taken in that regard.

He recalled that several years ago‎, the government had planned the establishment of a National Guard, but the idea did not come to fruition due to a number of challenges.

Mr. Dambazau explained that the National Guard would help to fill the gap between the operations of the Military and the Nigerian Police in tackling security challenges and emergencies.
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He said the military was becoming increasingly involved in dealing with some security threats in the country which is outside their constitutional mandate while the police might be overstretched in dealing with‎ such issues.

He said Nigeria‎ would continue to collaborate with the international community, including sharing experiences with the U.S Army in the training of Nigeria’s security personnel.

He said the visit of U.S military officials would help strengthen the cordial relationship between both countries, especially as regards security.

Earlier, the adjutant general, David Baldwin, a Maj.-Gen., said he and his team were in Nigeria to foster partnership between both countries.

He said that California as one of the biggest states in the U.S had its own National Guard like other states which is responsible security and emergencies.‎

He said the California National Guard will be involved in the training of Nigeria’s security agencies under the Ministry of Interior such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, NSCDC and Prisons to deal with security challenges/emergencies.

Mr. Baldwin said the training was designed for two to three years to equip the security personnel with modern trend in security and emergency operations.

On the establishment of a National Guard in Nigeria, he said that it was up to the Nigerian government to decide the modalities for the establishment of any security outfit.

He however said the National Guard is a very strategic and cost effective outfit that has helped the U.S in tackling security challenges and emergencies such as flood, fire and other natural disasters.

(NAN)

jay2pee:
They should first of all, sign the NIGERIAN PEACE CORPS into law, it can do the same job

jay2pee:
They should first of all, sign the NIGERIAN PEACE CORPS into law, it can do the same job

jay2pee:
They should first of all, sign the NIGERIAN PEACE CORPS into law, it can do the same job

tdayof:



What on earth are you saying? Peace Corps replacing National Guard?

National Guard means they'll have military training and then hold some heavy military hardware. Only a government agency can have such capability.

ivolt:
Another avenue to increase the recurrent spending,
how can we spend 90% of our budget on salaries and
expect real development ?

majekdom2:
what difference ha military hardware done in naija. Some will sell this hardware to thieves. What training will they have that the police and military cannot deal with. It's a pure waste of time

cosmatika:
Another avenue to embezzle money. Sarrki u beta join dem and get busy with something for once in ur life