Security experts, policymakers and private sector leaders met in Lagos to examine Nigeria’s security challenges, with calls for a more professional and less politicised approach to tackling threats.

The roundtable, organised by Halogen Group to mark International Security Officers Day, was held under the theme “Rethinking Security in Nigeria – Balancing New Risks, Emerging Threats and Traditional Vulnerabilities.”

Retired Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, Director-General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, said security debates in Nigeria should be “driven by professionalism, neutrality and impact, not by ethnic or partisan sentiments.” He added: “Security should be about protecting lives and property, not about politics.”

The session, conducted under the Chatham House Rule, examined emerging risks, traditional vulnerabilities and the need for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors. Participants called for “robust intelligence systems, judicial reforms and better technology integration for intelligence sharing.”

Speakers also stressed the role of the private sector in addressing insecurity through youth engagement, investment in social infrastructure and public awareness. “We cannot leave security entirely to the government,” one participant said. “Communities, companies and citizens all have a role.”

Several panellists urged the government to use digital media and creative storytelling to reach younger audiences. “If we want a security-conscious society, we must speak the language of the youth,” a contributor noted.

The meeting brought together military officers, corporate security managers and representatives of government agencies, including the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, DAWN Commission, ASIS – Sub-Sahara Africa, and firms such as Julius Berger, Nestlé Nigeria and Access Bank.

International Security Officers Day is observed worldwide to recognise the work of security personnel. Organisers said the Lagos event was intended to “honour the dedication and courage” of officers across Nigeria.

In a closing statement, participants urged the authorities to show “genuine political will” in implementing reforms. Recommendations included transparent monitoring of security policies, ensuring community involvement and establishing a clear national framework for risk management.

One attendee summed up the consensus: “Nigeria’s security future depends on cooperation, trust and action. We must bridge the gap between strategy and reality.”

The roundtable concluded with a joint call for a unified approach, combining state resources, private expertise and citizen participation to address threats ranging from insurgency and kidnapping to cybercrime and urban insecurity.