‘How background checks can curb insecurity’

Former Director, Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, has described background checks as a verifiable channel to curb insecurity in Nigeria.

He said this was possible as it focuses on proper identification and verification of individuals as well as obtaining accurate information and data.

Olukolade, who spoke at a webinar with the theme ‘Curbing Insecurity in Nigeria: The role of Background Check,’ said the rate of insecurity in the country had become alarming and efforts should be geared towards addressing the scourge with workable strategies and pro-active measures.

According to him, background checks give insight that others cannot see and also provide information about the security personnel manning the nation’s security apparatus.

He maintained that background check was key to obtaining information about the integrity of individuals as well as profiling to verify their records and personality.

Olukolade stated that background checks were also effective in verifying weapons that are being procured to fight insecurity and other violent crimes.

Chief Operating Officer, Academy Halogen, Dr. Adewale Adeagbo, advocated predictive, preventive and responsive strategies to curb insecurity.

He stressed the need for data gathering, which could further boost intelligence gathering on insecurity challenges.

While calling for collaboration with the organised private sector, he mentioned the creation of data points with the private sector, which he said would go a long way in eliminating insecurity.

The Chief Executive Officer, Background Check International and organiser of the programme, Kola Olugbodi, bemoaned the insecurity situation in the country.

He harped on the harmonisation of data by all the security agencies, while proper checks are conducted on individuals.

He said the need to verify the information provided by people was essentially high as some have criminal records, yet they are part of the agencies.

Olugbodi added that it is the data derived from proper background checks that determine and analyse the records of people during insecurity.

According to him, background checks should serve as the first line of security to address security challenges.