Stakeholders at the 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa Security Conference (SASCON) have called for the adoption of home-grown, people-centred security strategies as the most effective way to address the continent’s complex security challenges.
The two-day conference, organised by the African Society of Industrial Security (ASIS) in Lagos, had as its theme: “Strategic Approaches to Security in Complex Africa.”
Participants agreed that collaboration, intelligence-driven responses, and community engagement would be critical to achieving sustainable security in Africa.
Nigeria’s Peculiar Challenges
Chairman of ASIS, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Adedeji Oduba, said Nigeria’s security problems required solutions tailored to its unique realities, stressing that national security should not be left solely in the hands of law enforcement agencies.
“We all know that Nigeria, and by extension Africa, face a lot of challenges in terms of security. Every part of the country has its peculiar issues. This conference brings together security professionals in Nigeria to address these challenges in the sub-Saharan region,” he said.
Oduba added that the conference would issue a communiqué to be submitted to the National Assembly, expressing hope that policymakers would act on the recommendations.
“If they need corporate security professionals like us to be involved, we will be more than willing to support,” he said.
Call for Collective Effort
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Rear Admiral S.T. Ibrahim, emphasised the need for joint efforts in addressing insecurity across the continent.
“Through collective wisdom and efforts, we can devise effective and sustainable solutions. A deep understanding of the threats allows us to develop innovative strategies to combat insecurity in Africa,” he said.
Tailored Solutions for Africa
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, represented by Abdul Rahman Mohammed, said Africa’s security concerns demand solutions based on the continent’s unique realities.
“Security is not exclusive to security agencies or the military. Seeing how security dynamics shift among state, interstate, and non-state actors, we must look inward and create strategies tailored to our challenges. I agree with the call for home-grown solutions because security is a whole-of-government and society issue,” he said.
He cited the example of vigilante groups and private security operatives as force multipliers in regions like the North-East, where they have complemented military efforts in the fight against terrorism.
“It is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We must examine our peculiarities and design our strategies accordingly,” he added.
Breaking Barriers through Partnerships
ASIS International President, Mr Joe Olivarez, called for the dismantling of barriers to cooperation between stakeholders in addressing global and local security challenges.
“No one person or entity can solve security problems alone. It requires a community effort and collaboration between public and private sectors. By understanding and appreciating local differences, we can transform them into opportunities for peace and prosperity,” he said.
The conference drew participants from security agencies, the Department of State Services, the military, and private security firms across Africa.
PIAK