Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has emphasised the need for a holistic and multifaceted approach among security agencies to combat terrorism and trans-border crimes.
Speaking at the Stakeholders Conference on Security themed “A Path to Regional Cooperation” held on Wednesday in Abuja, Gaidam highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts and modern border management practices.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Central Bureau (NCB).
Gaidam stated that adopting international standards and best practices in border security will significantly help mitigate the threat of terrorism in the region.
He called on stakeholders to work in unison toward a common goal of peace and stability.
“We can overcome these challenges and emerge as a beacon of stability and progress in Africa if all hands are put on deck,” he said.
The minister noted that the primary goal of the conference is to map out strategies to enhance regional security, with a strong focus on strengthening collaboration among Interpol member countries in West Africa.
He underscored the need for intelligence sharing, joint expertise, and unified approaches in tackling cross-border criminal activities.
In his words, “Ladies and gentlemen, it is pertinent to state that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has worked immensely to curb the insurgency caused by Boko Haram, bandits, and other transnational crimes. Some of these measures include biometric systems at border checkpoints, integration of data analytics into border security operations, and deployment of surveillance drones along critical border regions.
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Gaidam observed that despite the Government’s efforts to end the menace of terrorism and violent extremism in the country, the threat posed by terrorism has risen significantly, adding that Nigeria was ranked the 6th most impacted country globally according to the 2024 Global Terrorism Index.
He enumerated Government to mitigating insecurity which include deploying the military, cooperating with international partners, implementing counter-terrorism legislation; adoption of a legal framework related to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS); provision of (WAPIS) terminals to allow security agencies access to critical information and Establishment of National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC) for the Nigerian Police Force.
In his goodwill message the Chairman Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salisu (RTD) represented by Director Police Discipline, Ferdinand Uchechukwu Ekpe, stated that no nation can afford to stand alone in the face of threats and insurgency, noting that a secure and peaceful Nigerian state is necessary for a secure and prosperous West Africa and the entire ECOWAS market area.
Also, the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (RTD) represented by Director Intelligence Kennedy Zirangey in his good will message states that, the conference came at the right time where the nation is faced with insecurity such as terrorism, banditry, insurgency, kidnapping, community conflicts and myriads of other security challenges adding that all the catalyst behind these insecurity threats is drug usage by the foot soldiers perpetrating these crimes.
Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu, represented by Deputy Inspector General Logistics and Supplies DIG A. A. Hamzat, said the convergence of illicit drugs, small arms, and light weapons in the hands of criminal elements continues to fuel organized crime and extremism, adding that weak border enforcement mechanisms. Fragmented intelligence sharing systems exacerbate the situation.