The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has emphasized the need for a holistic and multifaceted strategy in addressing terrorism and other security challenges confronting Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Speaking at the Stakeholders Conference on Security, themed “A Path to Regional Cooperation” held at Rockview Hotels, Abuja, the Minister said the fight against terrorism cannot be won in isolation, urging greater collaboration among security agencies and regional partners.
“Implementing international standards and best practices in border management – including sound, modern, integrated, and cooperative systems – is crucial to ending the threat of terrorism,” Gaidam said, calling on stakeholders to pursue a shared vision of security.
The conference, jointly organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs, Nigeria Police Force, and National Central Bureau (NCB), focused on enhancing security cooperation among Interpol member countries in West Africa. Gaidam noted that intelligence sharing, joint strategies, and collaborative efforts are vital to combating trans-border crimes and improving regional stability.
He also acknowledged efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in curbing insurgency through initiatives such as biometric border checks, data analytics integration, and drone deployment for border surveillance.
Despite these measures, Gaidam expressed concern over Nigeria’s continued vulnerability to terrorism, citing the 2024 Global Terrorism Index which ranked the country sixth among the most impacted nations.
To tackle insecurity, he highlighted several government interventions including military deployment, counter-terrorism laws, adoption of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), and the establishment of the National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC).
In his goodwill message, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salisu (Rtd), represented by Director of Police Discipline, Ferdinand Uchechukwu Ekpe, stressed the importance of regional cooperation in achieving lasting peace, noting that a secure Nigeria is key to a secure ECOWAS region.
Similarly, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by Director of Intelligence, Kennedy Zirangey, linked the nation’s security woes to widespread drug abuse, describing it as a major enabler of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu, represented by DIG Logistics and Supplies, A.A. Hamzat, added that the circulation of illicit drugs and arms continues to fuel organized crime and extremism. He urged for stronger border enforcement and improved intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
Dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, and representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff and other security agencies. They all echoed the need for a united front in addressing regional security threats.
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