The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has emphasized the critical need for cross-border cooperation and intelligence sharing among security agencies of the G-7 states to effectively combat insecurity and criminal activities threatening the region.
Wike made this call on Thursday during the opening of the G-7 States Technical Committee meeting held at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja.
The G-7 Security Forum, established in 2007, comprises security chiefs from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Benue, and Plateau states. The forum was created to facilitate intelligence sharing, review security trends, and develop joint strategies to address regional security challenges.
Represented by the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Grace Adayilo, the minister highlighted the evolving nature of security threats in the region, ranging from kidnappings and banditry to human and drug trafficking, emphasizing the need for synergy, collaboration, and innovative approaches.
"Criminal elements have adapted and exploited technological advancements to further their illicit activities, thus requiring such a dynamic approach like synergy and joint operations among other strategies to overcome the exploits of criminally-minded individuals," Wike stated.
He challenged members of the Technical Committee to develop adaptable strategies to combat cross-border crime, specifically for "the safety and security of the seat of government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the states contiguous to the FCT."
The minister also commended security operatives for their sacrifices and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to providing necessary resources and platforms to strengthen regional security cooperation.
Speaking at the event, AIG Usaini Gumel, who represented the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, emphasized the proven relevance of the G-7 forum over the years and urged members to develop lasting strategies aligned with President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.
"Alone, each state may not achieve the desired results, but when seven states come together to fight a common enemy, crime and criminality, the outcome is always greater," Gumel remarked.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, who serves as Chairman of the G-7 Technical Committee, highlighted a recent success story that underscores the importance of inter-state collaboration. He revealed that a Nasarawa-based kidnap syndicate was apprehended, leading to the capture of its leader, Muhammad Tahir, who coordinated operations across Nasarawa and Plateau states. A ransom of N7.4 million was also recovered from the group.
"This singular case underscores the reality that cross-border crimes cannot be fought in isolation, but through sustained intelligence sharing, and regional cooperation, which the G7 embodies," Adewale explained.
He further emphasized that the challenges facing the region—including kidnapping, banditry, human and drug trafficking, car snatching, religious extremism, and the increasing movement of destitute persons—transcend boundaries and require joint coordinated responses and harmonized strategies to dismantle criminal networks.
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