Commission for Intelligence

In its operation, Anti terrorism Unit shall be guided by the following principles:

1. Unity of effort. The tasks involved in fighting against terrorism are so enormous that no one single agency can successfully accomplish them. This requires interagency action. Unity of effort will help integration of activities of all government agencies. Public sector, national and international organisations, the private sector and all the citizens.

2. Legitimacy. Legitimacy in combating terrorism is derived from the right of self-defence. Legitimacy shall entail enacting relevant legislation to enable the security forces and judicial institutions in legally fighting and processing perpetrators, accomplices, sympathisers and financiers of terrorism.

3. Patience and perseverance. Patience and perseverance are the hallmarks of successful programs to combat terrorism. Identifying and capturing terrorists is a difficult task and entails tedious work. Anti-terrorism efforts are also low-key and require patience. Rarely will success be measurable, but defensive efforts must continue. 4. Security. Security is the most obvious requirement in combating terrorism. Terrorist rely on surprise and the victim’s confusion at the time of an incident. Anti terrorism involves physical security. Operational security and the practice of personal protective measures by all personnel. Combating terrorism is an aspect of force protection.

Intelligence is extraordinarily important. The essential element of information differs somewhat from those normally found in traditional combat situations. In addition to the terrorist’s strength, skills, equipments, Logistic capabilities, leader profiles, source of supply, and tactics, more specific information is needed. This includes the groups goals, affiliations indications of their willingness to kill or die for their cause, and significant events in their history.