“If You Are Confronted By An Armed Man, Be Gentle”… Says DCP Z.Wale Ajao
September 26, 2022
Fausiat Salako-Sanni
Safety is freedom from every form of danger, fear, attack, is always of concern to every living organism. Hence, the necessity for everyone to be security/safety conscious.
This was part of the germane deliberations at the recent NASFAT Lagos Zone One 3rd Quarterly Conference held at Mende-Maryland Branch by district 3 of the society comprises of (Shomolu-Bariga, Mende-Maryland, Oworo-Ifako, Ogudu-Ojota, Agiliti-Mile 12 Branches and Olowoora Group organised during the weekend. It’s a quarterly event where issues affecting humanity are being focused on in accordance with Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society NASFAT HELD policy. HELD meaning concentration on health education livelihood and dawah initiative of the society.
The theme of the conference tagged SECURITY CHALLENGES: THE CONCEPT OF I AND YOU IN SAFEGUARDING was dissected by the Deputy Commissioner of police, Air Port Command, Lagos State and former NASFAT National Chairman Security Committee for the years 2003 – 2008, Alhaji Z. Wale Ajao.
Mr. Wale Ajao spoke extensively on the topic. According to him, “Security means
freedom from danger, hazard, doubt or
as the measures taken to be safe.”
“In a modernizing society, security means development, security is not military force, though it may involve it, security is
not traditional military activity, though it may encompass it, security is not military hardware, though it may include it; security is development and without security there can be no development”. Robert McNamara, US Defence Secretary.
As it is enshrined in Chapter II, Sec14(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, provides that, “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.
Security is one of the fundamentals of good governance, the mother of all investments and are responsibility for all.
The objectives this conference tends to achieve are:To re-awaken security consciousness among members of the public. To equip the participants with vital tips on their personal security and safety.
It was disclosed that there are levels of security namely individual, State and
International.
He further shed more light on what is termed sectors of security which go thus MILITARY &PARAMILITARY, POLITICAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, ENVIRONMENT.
“Terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, cyber crime, cultism, bank robbery, substance abuse, rape, ritual killing. These are the contemporary security
challenges in Nigeria; That are yearning for way out.”
There’s an adage that says no smoke without fire, so, there’s always reason(s) for any action taken, that are very fundamental, hence, should be of concern to every stakeholder in the polity right from the home. Some of the causes of insecurity identified were collapse of family values, poor parenting, unemployment/unemployability/Indolence, protracted industrial action, Substance Abuse, Inequality, (Political disequilibrium), New Media (Social Media) among others.
The Deputy Commissioner further analysed that simple but very essential security/safety tips like basic principles in personal security such as Know yourself, Know your environment, Know your friends, Know your neighbours, Manage your information (Communication what you say, where
you say it, how you say it) would go a long way in helping the “I and Me In Safeguarding challenge” that will bring about tranquility and peace to every individual, home and by extension to the nation.
He however educated the public that “Security is a collective responsibility because Your life is your responsibility, Your safety is the first consideration, Your Vigilance and alertness are necessity.”
In furtherance of his presentation, he said, always prepare for surprises and be suspicious of everything. Say NO to blind trust. When you notice issue of security concern, say something don’t keep mute nor feel less concern about it because for every item unattended to could be an explosive, avoid it.
Maintaining the following security principles at home and in the public places are added advantages to safeguarding ourselves from insecurity
¶ Ensured all doors, windows, gates and other access are well
locked.
¶ Always leave the security light on and be cautious of any sudden light off in the night.Install night vision camera, alarm, motion sensitive security
light.
¶ Keep your premises clean and organized, leaving no ladder or
cover outside for criminal.
¶ Never leave casual visitors or artisans at home with your
children.
¶ Never you entrust your house/office keys to the artisans.
Do not keep valuable items near windows with opendrapes.
¶ Always check for the exit route as you’re entering any place.
GENERAL TIPS ON PERSONAL SECURITY
~ Domestic Routine Checks.
~ Avoid nights in your activities.
~ Stop sharing your personal information on social media,
criminal may track you.
~ Share security information/education with your family.
~ Never open your door for a stranger.
~ Avoid patronizing neighborhood store when it’s getting
dark to avoid being trailed home.
~ Let one reliable person know your whereabout at any
given time.
~ If you are living alone, device tamper-alert on your door handles and gate, such as spraying powder on the door handle.
In addition always vary your route as well as your time of movement. Don’t be predictable. Make use of your rear-view mirror always when driving and take note of the vehicle behind you. If you notice a vehicle has been following you for some time and refuses to overtake when he has the chance, drive fast and pack in a public place where there are people or a checkpoint.
If you notice such close to the entrance to your house, move on till you see more people and attract them
with your horn.
If someone ram to your vehicle suspiciously, simply note the
vehicle make and colour, then move to where there are many
people, before you stop, if you intend challenging them.
When returning home, be mindful of anything unusual with your residence and the vicinity, if you suspect a break-in, do not enter, alert the police. If when approaching your residence, you notice a strange car with the door slightly opened with driver on the seat in a ready position or a person loitering around or other unusual movement, around your entrance, move further and alert your neighbours.
Lock your car smartly, confirm its locked and walkaway. Don’t patronize mint note traders, it may give out your identity.
Dress moderately and don’t display jewelries, i-phone, laptop on the car seat.
Avoid lousy self-introduction that will give away your identity to criminal
e.g CEO, GMD etc.
Encourage your family members to adopt the same style. Hold out your key while going to pick your car from the park, watch from afar and see whether anyone is watching the direction where you parked the car.
Ensure you employ your staff through registered agent or referral. Run background checks on all your staff (office/domestic) and ensure they
all have surety.
Mr. Z. Wale Ajao continued that treating your employee with love and respect goes a long way in creating friendly, compassionate and cordial atmosphere and togetherness.
“Keep away all financial information and discussion from your staff. Change your set of locks and keys when moving into a new apartment or when any of you house staff leaves. Avoid walking alone.
Do your fitness exercise at home; or in a registered gym or public place
where others are. Never be the last to leave the place.”
“If a car suddenly pulls over by your side while walking, quickly walk backward and prepare to run. Always keep left while walking along the road, it gives you a better view of vehicle occupants.”
Insecurity is a threat to the life of individual, state and the society at large. Insecurity is caused by man and its struggle for life process –either legal or illegal.
“To curb the problem of insecurity, we must all adhere to all the security tips given at this conference from today and as well disseminate among your families, communities to have a serene society everyone dream of.”
Safety and security indeed is and should be the concern of all. For if individuals are conscious of their security and safety, it will support and enhance whatever security/safety mechanisms the states put in place.
“So when you see something, always say something.” Mr. Z Wale Ajao encouraged.
In his own remarks the Chairman of NASFAT Lagos Zone One, Alhaji Engr. Mustapha Alabi explained that the reason for the topic was borne out of the fact that Nigerians are faced with lots of security threats, hence, the need to bring forth, simple, practicable and inexpensive measures to support the efforts of the government.
“Besides, the HELD policy of NASFAT is to look into initiatives that can uplift the life of humanity in the areas of Health, Education, Livelihood and Dawah.”
So it is our believe in NASFAT that this singular effort at providing such basic and principles of personal, domestic security and safety tips will help bring about peaceful atmosphere for Nigerians if well embraced and practised.
Fausiat Salako-Sanni who was at event for Lasilkiin.com reports that the event witnessed the presence all stakeholders on the day. From the Zonal Council of Elders, Zonal Mission Board, Zonal Executive Council members, Youth wing members, Branch Chairmen, Branch Women Affairs Secretaries, Branch PR Secretaries, Zonal Security Secretary to mention but a few.
