Unified Regional Strategy Essential for Combating Terrorism, Says Police Affairs Minister – International Edition (English)
Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the Minister of Police Affairs, stresses the importance of adopting a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy across various law enforcement bodies to tackle terrorism and cross-border criminal activities.
At the Stakeholders Conference on Security titled "A Path to Regional Cooperation," which took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Gaidam emphasized the significance of collaborative approaches and contemporary border control strategies.
The event was arranged by the Ministry of Police Affairs in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Central Bureau (NCB).
Gaidam indicated that implementing global benchmarks and superior procedures for border control could substantially aid in reducing the terrorist threat within the area.
He urged all parties involved to collaborate seamlessly towards achieving a shared objective of peace and stability.
"We can conquer these challenges and become a symbol of stability and advancement in Africa if everyone gets involved," he stated.
The minister highlighted that the main objective of the conference is to outline plans for improving regional security, emphasizing enhanced cooperation among Interpol member nations in West Africa.
He emphasized the importance of shared intelligence, collaborative skills, and consistent strategies in addressing transnational crimes.
As he stated, "Ladies and gentlemen, it is crucial to mention that the government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has made significant efforts to combat the insurgency initiated by Boko Haram, bandits, and other cross-border criminal activities. Among these initiatives are the implementation of biometric systems at border crossings, the incorporation of data analysis into border security strategies, and the use of surveillance drones in key border areas."
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Gaidam noted that even though the government has made attempts to combat terrorism and violent extremism within the nation, the terrorist threat has actually increased substantially. He further mentioned that Nigeria ranks as the sixth most affected country worldwide based on the 2024 Global Terrorism Index.
He listed government measures aimed at reducing insecurity, including deploying the military, collaborating with international allies, enacting counter-terrorism laws, adopting a legal framework connected to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), supplying WAPIS terminals to enable security agencies to access crucial data, and establishing the National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC) for the Nigerian Police Force.
In his goodwill address, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salisu (RTD), who was represented by Director of Police Discipline, Ferdinand Uchechukwu Ekpe, emphasized that no country can remain isolated amidst threats and insurgencies. He highlighted that ensuring Nigeria’s stability and peace is crucial not only for the prosperity of West Africa but also for the overall security and economic success of the broader ECOWAS region.
Additionally, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), was represented by Director of Intelligence Kenneth Zirangue in his goodwill message. He stated that this conference has arrived at an opportune moment when the country faces numerous insecurities like terrorism, banditry, insurgency, kidnappings, communal clashes, and various other security issues. Furthermore, he highlighted that one major factor contributing to these threats is drug use among those committing these offenses.
Previously, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu, was represented by Deputy Inspector General of Logistics and Supplies, DIG A.A. Hamzat, who stated that the accumulation of illegal narcotics, along with small arms and light weaponry in the possession of criminals, perpetuates organized crime and extremism. They also mentioned that inadequate border control measures and disjointed intelligence-sharing frameworks worsen this predicament.
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