Insecurity: Wike Urges Collaboration Among States

THE Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called for cooperation and sharing of intelligence among security agencies in states, especially the G-7 states to curb insecurity and crimes threatening the seven states.
The G-7 Security Forum, established in 2007 to share intelligence, review security trends, and adopt joint strategies, consists of security chiefs from the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Benue and Plateau states.
Wike, who was represented by the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Grace Adayilo, at the opening of the G-7 States Technical Committee meeting on Thursday, August 28, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, said the complexities of emerging threats, ranging from kidnappings and banditry to human and drug trafficking, demands synergy.
According to him: “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.
“I, therefore, charge members of the Technical Committee of the G-7 states to put on your thinking cap, come up with the most adaptable strategies in combatting cross-border crime and criminality and deploy same 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 lauded security operatives for their sacrifices, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to providing resources and platforms to strengthen regional security cooperation.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Usaini Gumel (AIG), said the G-7 had proven its relevance over the years, urging members to develop lasting strategies that align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated: “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.”
FCT Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the FCT, Ajao Adewale, who is also Chairman of the Committee, urged deeper inter-agency collaboration and sustained intelligence sharing.
He stated that the recent arrest of a Nasarawa-based kidnap syndicate led to the capture of its leader, Muhammad Tahir, who coordinated operations across Nasarawa and Plateau states, noting that N7.4million ransom was recovered from the group, thereby underscoring the need for inter-state cooperation.
“This singular case underscores the reality that cross-border crimes cannot be fought in its isolation, but through sustained intelligence sharing and regional cooperation, which the G7 embodies.
“The challenges we face, such as kidnapping, banditry, human and drug trafficking, car snatching, religious extremism and the increasing influx of destitute from region to region, transcend boundaries and demand joint coordinated responses.
“Collective vigilance, intelligence sharing and harmonised strategies deny criminal sanctuary and dismantle their network.”