By Omobolaji Adekunle
Operatives of all security Agencies in Ogun State, embarked on a 10km walk in Abeokuta to strengthen the relationship between operatives and citizens in the course of performing their duties in the state and country.
Agencies that participated in the walk include operatives of the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Navy, Immigration, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Traffic Compliance Enforcement (TRACE), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) among others.
The walk was organised by the Nigeria Army 35Artiller Bridgade, Alamala, Abeokuta,Ogun State.
The Inter Agency Route Walk took off from the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, through IBB Boulevard; Sapon; Omida; Oke-Ilewo; GTB and back to the stadium.
Speaking with journalists after the walk, the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala Barracks, Brig.-Gen. Muhammed Aminu, disclosed that the walk was important for the military to keep fit for the defence of the nation.
Aminu said that the essence of the walk was also to strengthen the relationship already existing among the security agencies in Ogun and to foster the spirit of friendship.
“This is a routine exercise being conducted not only in the military but also in the police and other security agencies , it’s a physical training and exercise.”
“We need it because of our work, we have to keep fit and be in a good frame of mind to actually do our job effectively.
“Coming together to do this jointly is to strengthen the relationship that already existed within the security agencies and also to try and foster the spirit of friendship.
“As security agencies, we are supposed to do operations jointly, but it is not only operation, we are supposed to do joint training and do games together.”
“These activities are aimed to strengthen the existing synergy, “ he said.
Aminu also disclosed that by next week the military would begin exercise ’Still Water,’ saying all security agencies would be involved.
The commander explained that the operation was aimed toward the ‘Ember Months’ to tackle security challenges that could arise during the period.
“It is a yearly operation throughout the country and the exercise is till January, “ he said.
In their separate submissions, Commandant of NSCDC, David Idowu Ojelabi and TRACE commander agreed that the security outfits believed in inter Agency cooperation in order to work together,and defend the nation together.