The State Security Service says collaboration among relevant government agencies is necessary to enhance intelligence gathering to combat transnational crimes.

SSS spokesman Peter Afunanya said this on Thursday in Lagos at a lecture organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

Representing SSS director-general Yusuf Bichi, Mr Afunanya said strengthening intelligence exchange among related agencies worldwide and allocating resources to research were ways to enhance intelligence gathering.

He said the intelligence community should collaborate with private sector organisations to harness their cybersecurity, technology, and data analytics expertise, enhancing overall intelligence capabilities.

According to Mr Afunanya, intelligence is critical to unifying national security and law enforcement efforts. He said it involved collecting, analysing and disseminating information to support decision-making and protect a country’s interests, adding that it helped detect and counter foreign espionage activities.

“It aids in threat assessment and proactive measures to forestall, curtail and mitigate security challenges as well as coordinating emergencies such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks to ensure public safety,” said Mr Afunanya.

He explained that the role of DSS in law enforcement and national security included vetting prospective appointees to public offices and providing timely advice to the government on all matters of national security interest.

The official said the secret police is also responsible for providing protective security for designated principal government functionaries, sensitive installations and vetting foreign dignitaries.

Speaking on challenges in managing national security in Nigeria, Mr Afunanya highlighted issues including transnational organised crime, terrorism and insurgency, ethnic and communal conflicts, technological challenges, and mutation threats.

According to him, the SSS enforces actions to curtail threats and arrests or prosecute suspected individuals and groups intending to cause security breaches and conducts national security education and sensitisation programmes for the populace and other stakeholders.

(NAN)