Gaidam Urges Security Agencies to Collaborate, Leverage INTERPOL’s Tools for National Security
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has called for enhanced collaboration among security agencies to maximize the benefits of INTERPOL’s tools in strengthening Nigeria’s internal security.
Speaking at a workshop on the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) in Abuja, Gaidam emphasized that such collaboration is crucial in addressing the country’s persistent security challenges. The event, themed "Strengthening Internal Security: A Path to a Safer Nigeria," was organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja.
Security Threats and the Need for Advanced Policing
Gaidam, in a statement released by Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations Unit, Mr. Bolaji Kazeem, highlighted the alarming rise in insurgency, terrorism, and organized crime, stressing that these threats have taken on complex international dimensions.
“For decades, our nation has grappled with the chronic issue of criminal victimization, which has severely impacted the safety and well-being of our citizens. In recent years, we have faced an alarming rise in insurgency and terrorism, requiring more advanced international policing tools,” he said.
The Minister stressed that as technology evolves, security strategies must also adapt, urging law enforcement agencies to integrate INTERPOL’s methodologies and tools into their crime-fighting efforts.
Nigeria’s Progress in Security Infrastructure
Gaidam outlined several strides made by the Ministry of Police Affairs in enhancing security, including:
- Establishment of a National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC) for the Nigeria Police Force.
- 24/7 internet service for the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS) to facilitate information-sharing among security agencies.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with INTERPOL to boost international collaboration.
- Automation of Police Specialized Services to improve efficiency.
- Deployment of WAPIS terminals, granting security agencies access to critical intelligence.
- Legal framework adoption for WAPIS, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to regional security cooperation.
Stakeholders Advocate Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Major General Olatokunbo Bello, commended the initiative, stating that the workshop would serve as a platform for security agencies to exchange ideas, strategize, and strengthen INTERPOL operations in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
Similarly, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), emphasized that security threats in the 21st century have evolved beyond traditional risks, necessitating modern intelligence-gathering techniques.
He noted that the National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, will play a critical role in providing law enforcement agencies with access to intelligence, electronic evidence, and investigative tools to combat transnational organized crime and corruption.
Police Chief Advocates for Trust and Community Collaboration
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Patrick Daaor, reiterated that effective internal security depends on structured engagement and collaboration among all law enforcement agencies.
“One of the cornerstones of effective internal security is trust between the police and the communities we serve. We must work tirelessly to foster transparency, accountability, and open communication. Community policing should not just be a concept but a lived reality,” he stated.
The workshop provided a platform for security stakeholders to deliberate on INTERPOL-driven solutions, emphasizing intelligence sharing, investigative collaboration, and crime prevention strategies to enhance Nigeria’s internal security framework.
