Background check is crucial to tackling insecurity bedeviling the nation, security experts have pointed out.
They spoke at a recent webnair with the theme curbing insecurity in Nigeria: The role of background check organised by Background check international (BCI).
Some of the experts at the webnair include: Former Director, Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade; Chief Operating Officer, Academy Halogen Dr Adewale Adeagbo; Managing Director, Background Check International Mr Kola Olugbodi; Founder, Nanny Academy Mrs Amara Agbim and President Neeyamo INC, USA Mr Vivek Khana, among others.
Olukolade stated that with the spate of insecurity, uncertainties and threat to lives across Nigeria, background check is a very proactive measure to reverse the trend.
Background check, according to him, gives insights that others cannot see and provide information about personnel manning the nation’s security apparatus.
He said it is also a key to obtaining information about the integrity of individuals as well as profiling to verify their records and personality.
Olukolade further asserted background check is also effective in verifying weapons that are being procured to fight insecurity and other violent crimes.
He said it is also very vital to determine the appropriateness of such weapons and the usage of same.
Adeagbo advocated predictive, preventive and responsive strategies to curb insecurity in the country.
He stressed the need for data gathering, which can further boost intelligence gathering on insecurity challenges.
Adeagbo said the role of background check is very important as there is the urgent need to collate data that is backed with technology to address the situation.
He also identified the need for citizens to recognise the role of background check through the provision of consistent data.
He said citizens should be adequately aware of the risks they are taking through improper data.
Adeagbo urged the government to collaborate with the organised private sector in this area.
He called for creation of data points with the private sector which will go a long way in eliminating insecurity.
He further appealed to security organisations to collaborate effectively to address the level of insecurity in the country.
Agbim emphasised that background check is highly essential in verifying information even from the domestic space.
She said there should be proper risk assessment of the staff being employed to curb insecurity ad hazards.
She added that there should be proper scrutiny of staff as well as validating the identity of staff.
Khana said that background check has become potent tool across societies to create safe and habitable environments.
He said that adequate information about security personnel is highly important as well as verifying such information.
He called for focus and collaboration in order to address insecurity and work assiduously to ensure that proper checks are conducted at all levels.
Olugbodi bemoaned the insecurity situation in the country which has reached an abnormal level.
He said this should become a source of concern to everyone.
He harped on the harmonisation of data by all the security agencies while proper checks are conducted on individuals.
According to him, background check should serve as the first line to address security challenges.
Nigerians, according to him, should appreciate the critical role of background check in curbing insecurity and violent crimes.