MIGA will foster synergy among services – Dambazau

The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, has said that the maiden Ministry of Interior Games (MIGA) will help to foster synergy among security agencies in the country.

Dambazau said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

The maiden 2016 MIGA was hosted by Kaduna state from Oct. 25 to Oct. 29.

According to him, MIGA is conceptualised to strengthen the integration process among the five services under the ministry so as to achieve the ministry’s mandate of ensuring public safety and security.

“The main objective of organising the games is to forge unity, integration and professionalism among the five security services under the ministry.

“I can tell you that the first edition has been very successful and we hope this will foster better synergy and dedication among the services.”

Dambazau said he was optimistic that the games would also help to identify new talents that could be groomed to represent the country at international competitions.

The minister also reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government‎ to internal security and the protection of lives and property of the citizenry.

a total of 10 sports – athletics, football, badminton, basketball, handball, squash, table tennis, lawn tennis, volleyball and tug-of-war – featured at the games.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) emerged tops at the end of the games with 37 gold, 17 Silver and nine bronze medals.

The Nigeria Police Force came second with 11 gold,‎ 20 silver and 18 bronze medals while the Nigeria Prisons Service came third with four gold, seven silver and 17 bronze medals.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service and Ministry of Interior were 4th, 5th and 6th, respectively in the weeklong event.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, Minister of Defence, retired Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan Ali and the Gov. Nasir El-rufai of Kaduna.