By Dwelleth Morountodun
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam on Friday revealed that Federal Government has said that it has established the National Criminal Data Fusion Center for the Nigeria Police Force.
The platform, the Minister says will to serve as hub for collaboration among various Law Enforcement Agencies.
He made this known during the Ministerial Sectoral update for the President scoreca-rd briefing held in Abuja.
The Minister pointed out that the Criminal Data Fusion Center was established to consolidate criminal data, conduct analysis, and share key intelligence products to bolster internal security operations.
He added that it will facilitate intelligence sharing with Security Agencies in Nigeria and the broader International Security Community.
Gaidam recalled that in the past year, significant investments have been directed towards surveillance systems, drones, and communication technologies to bolster the Force’s capacity for real-time data collection and response.
In his words, “The integration of forensic technology has played a pivotal role in criminal investigations and perpetrator identification. Within the FCT, the NPF has deployed various cutting-edge tools such as digital reconstructive analysis devices, drones, pen-and-watch cameras, as well as infrared telescopes for intelligence gathering and verification”.
The Minister opined that the implementation of ICT applications and platforms like the RescueMe App, e-CMR (electronic Central Motor Registry), and Police VGS has amplified our e-policing strategies, enhancing operational efficiency across all domains.
These efforts and the introduction of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) by the Nigeria Police Force in the Federal Capital Territory to address the rise in violent crimes within the nation’s capital have achieved notable successes, including the arrest of 23 suspects for offenses such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to him, the squad has recovered multiple arms, ammunition, over twenty (20) stolen vehicles, and apprehension of 1,190 suspects who are currently undergoing screening and interrogation.
Gaidam expressed that the Nigeria Police system has fully embraced community-oriented policing in promoting a safer environment nationwide. Ongoing initiatives include engaging multiple stakeholders through town hall meetings and reinforcing the Police Community Relations Committee to bolster efforts in enhancing community safety, he said.
He said the Ministry and the Nigeria Police Force are collaborating to craft and execute a Revitalized Police Agenda and Transformation Roadmap, a bold initiative aimed at tackling current challenges and reshaping the Nigeria Police Force into a modern, proactive, and efficient entity.