The Ogun State commands of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Ash Montana Deck, Abeokuta, have pledged to strengthen their partnership on security, humanitarian services and community development.

The commitment was made during separate courtesy visits by the newly elected leadership of the Ash Montana Deck, led by its Capoon, Eremonsele Emmanuel Okoghe, to the NSCDC and NDLEA commands in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Receiving the delegation at the NSCDC headquarters in Owu-Dekudu, Abeokuta, the State Commandant, Remilekun Ekundayo, said the engagement would deepen mutual understanding and strengthen institutional relations between the organisations.

Ekundayo described the Seadogs as a longstanding partner of the command and urged the association and other stakeholders to contribute to maintaining peace and security in their communities.

“Such engagements build mutual understanding and strengthen institutional relationships, and your visit is therefore timely and appreciated,” she said.

She said security was a collective responsibility, noting that effective security delivery required the involvement of government institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

According to her, the NSCDC’s collaboration with the Seadogs could have a positive grassroots impact through peace-building, youth development, crime prevention and support for vulnerable members of society.

Ekundayo added that Ogun’s status as an economic and industrial hub, with numerous schools, industrial estates, critical infrastructure and border communities, presented both opportunities and security challenges.

She said the command was intensifying efforts to protect critical assets, schools and public utilities while tackling vandalism, illegal mining, cultism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

At the NDLEA command, its Commander, Tijjani Rabe, commended the Seadogs for their continued support for the agency’s activities and called for stronger collaboration in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Rabe stressed that combating the drug menace required a collective effort involving government agencies, community leaders, the media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

Responding, Okoghe said the visits were aimed at formally introducing the new executive committee and reaffirming the association’s longstanding relationship with the security agencies.

He said the Seadogs appreciated the NSCDC’s previous support, particularly its participation in and provision of security for the association’s programmes.

Okoghe also commended the NDLEA for its achievements in drug seizures, arrests, prosecution and rehabilitation.

He described the Seadogs as a non-profit, non-political, non-religious and non-tribal organisation committed to promoting discipline, fair play, comradeship and humanitarian service.

He said the association, which ceased operating in tertiary institutions in 1984, now comprises graduate professionals and has more than 75 chapters globally.

He added that its humanitarian initiatives include medical missions, the Street Child Project, Our Votes Count Project, Citizens’ Summit and the Nathaniel Oyelola Memorial Scholarship Scheme.