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Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has called on security agencies in Nigeria to adopt international policing standards, particularly those employed by INTERPOL, to address the country’s growing security challenges.
Speaking at a workshop organised by the Ministry of Police Affairs in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Central Bureau in Abuja on Tuesday, Gaidam emphasised the need for modern, technology-driven strategies to enhance national security.
“We must acknowledge that for decades, our nation has grappled with the chronic issue of criminal victimisation, 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, which have taken on increasingly complex international dimensions,” he said.
The minister stressed that leveraging INTERPOL’s methodologies would significantly enhance Nigeria’s internal security capabilities, ensuring better protection of lives, properties, and critical infrastructure.
“Adopting methodologies akin to those employed by INTERPOL, Nigeria can significantly mitigate internal security challenges in view of the myriad security threats facing the nation today. It is imperative that we embrace international standards to safeguard lives, properties, and infrastructure, thereby fostering economic development and stability,” he added.
Gaidam also highlighted key initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Police Affairs to enhance security, including the establishment of a National Criminal Data Fusion Center for the Nigeria Police Force, the provision of 24/7 internet service for the West Africa Police Information System, and a Memorandum of Understanding with INTERPOL to strengthen international security collaboration among others.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Major General Olatokunbo Bello, underscored the significance of the workshop in fostering collaboration and intelligence-sharing among security agencies to combat Nigeria’s security challenges.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), noted that modern security threats extend beyond traditional crime, necessitating the adoption of advanced investigative techniques and intelligence-driven policing.
Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor, reiterated the need for inter-agency cooperation and community engagement in ensuring effective policing and public trust.
