Nigerians Encouraged to Prioritize Personal and Community Security to Support National Peace Efforts-
By Shuaibu Othman Sambo
Nigerians have been urged to prioritize personal security and community awareness in their daily activities to complement government efforts in achieving lasting peace, especially in areas plagued by insecurity.
This call was made by Retired Colonel Igwe Ibila Amara, Commander General of the Citizens for Peace and First Aid Mission of Nigeria (CFPFAMN), a voluntary organization specializing in security services, rescue, and emergency management.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony for the revalidation and registration of CFPFAMN membership on Thursday in Abuja, CG Amara emphasized that individual and community consciousness is a critical element in the success of any security system, a concept already embraced by international communities.
Recalling his training experience in France, Col. Amara stated, “Security is the responsibility of the citizens—whether at the national, state, or local government levels.
People in the community must make it a priority to provide security outfits with timely information and reports so that criminals can be apprehended before their plans escalate.”
The retired military officer also recommended that the government implement special security awareness training for traditional rulers, who serve as the closest contacts to the grassroots.
He said, “Our traditional rulers should receive security intelligence training because they understand the people and their communities better than anyone. This would enable them to become key players in intelligence gathering, creating synergy that could directly contribute to national security.”
Addressing the topic of partnerships, CG Amara highlighted that CFPFAMN has been collaborating with government agencies and security organizations for over a decade to ensure peace and rescue missions across the country.
He recalled examples from the COVID-19 lockdown when CFPFAMN members worked at checkpoints alongside police officers in Kaduna and other states.
“We have established synergy with various agencies. Recently, we played a role in conflict management across the country, providing rescue operations, ambulance services, and diving expertise.
Our Directorate of Research and Rescue Operations is currently stationed in Akwa Ibom State, where our team specializes in marine rescue operations,” Amara added.
CG Igwe Amara called on the government, individuals, and corporate bodies to support CFPFAMN by providing essential equipment to strengthen its operations.
“Emergencies will continue to occur globally. We need proper training, especially those of us in uniform. We appeal to the government and individuals to support us with resources like ambulances, which we will use to train our personnel. Soon, we will establish our National Training Camp in Abuja, and similar camps in the six geopolitical zones.
I will personally lead the training, as a specialist in emergency management and a retired army commander.”
The digital revalidation of CFPFAMN membership and the registration of new members were initiated to keep pace with technological advancements and prevent impersonation by fake personnel.
This initiative was launched by Commandant General Igwe I. Amara to ensure the organization’s continued relevance in a rapidly evolving security landscape.
