Banjul, 19th June 2025: A 20-member Nigerian delegation, led by Mr. Joseph Obule Odama, Commandant at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), paid a courtesy visit to the Office of National Security (ONS) at State House, Banjul, as part of their African regional study tour on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. The team, designated as Syndicate Six (Gambia), includes senior officials and deputy directors from various Nigerian and regional security institutions, including the Department of State Services, Nigeria Correctional Service, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Federal Airport Authority, and Rwanda National Police.
The delegation is undertaking a ten-month Intelligence Management Course at NISS, Nigeria, with a focus on “The Role of Non-State Actors in Security Management in Africa.” Their visit to The Gambia aimed to examine national strategies and partnerships related to security and governance.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of HETP, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of The Gambia and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces; National Security Advisor Mr. Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng, expressed appreciation to the delegation for the choosing The Gambia as part of their tour. He acknowledged Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional peace and security, citing his own collaborative experiences with Nigerian nationals during his 20-year service with the United Nations.
Mr. Jeng emphasised the importance of political will, inter-agency coordination, and community engagement in addressing complex security threats. He highlighted The Gambia’s Security Sector Reform (SSR) journey and the evolving role of non-state actors; such as NGOs, civil society organisations (CSOs), and multinational corporations in shaping policy and promoting peace.
Deputy NSA Colonel Omar B. Bojang presented an overview of the regulatory environment governing non-state actors in The Gambia, including the requirement for all such entities to be registered. He also described how platforms like TANGO have fostered dialogue and accountability between CSOs and government institutions.
During a lively Q&A session, participants raised questions about regulation, foreign employment, and civil society inclusion in security discussions. NSA Jeng reassured the delegation of The Gambia’s commitment to transparency, capacity building, and collaboration with both local and international partners.
The delegation expressed sincere gratitude for the warm reception and valuable insights, promising to share their findings with national stakeholders in Nigeria.
By Ridhwana Ahmad Sinayoko
