The Minister of Police Affairs Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has charged all law enforcement agencies to synergize on the future of security architecture with all the required speed and political will through information sharing to curb criminals in the country.
He stated this during a three-day workshop on Interagency Collaboration with the theme: Interagency collaboration among law enforcement agencies in Nigeria held in Abuja.
The Minister pointed out that on assumption of Office in August 2023, he observed that there was no adequate collaboration among the law enforcement agencies as they all operate independently in information sharing and there is an urgent need for all law enforcement agencies to synergize on the future of security architecture with all the required speed and political will.
In his words, “With the country’s rising security challenges and threats, there is no better time than now to build on strengthening inter-agency collaboration through the sharing of vital intelligence and classified information to curb the menace”.
He added that the workshop focuses on achieving one of the deliverables vested in the Ministry of Police Affairs (MPA) by Mr. President on tackling the security challenges being faced in the country.
Gaidam opined that the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), is a technological tool that embodies the commitment to regional integration and cooperation enabling police forces across West Africa to share Intelligence and collaborate seamlessly.
According to him, “It empowers the police force to act swiftly and decisively against criminal activities. I strongly believe that if a similar system like WAPIS is deployed among law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, it will go a long way in curbing internal security challenges.
The Minister stated the remarkable achievements attained over the past year by the Ministry which include among others: The establishment of a National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC) for the Nigeria Police Force; the adoption of a legal framework related to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS); the provision of terminals that allow security Agencies to access critical information on WAPIS; Provision of 24/7 internet service as well as signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INTERPOL to reaffirm the commitment of the country to work together with other countries for the greater good of the region and the world.
In her goodwill message, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote represented by Director of Information Technology Identity Database, Engr. Lanre Yusuf commended the Ministry and Nigeria Police Force for creating a platform to further collaboration and dialogue for security agencies assuring that her agency is ready to support through the provision of reliable and secure identity management steps.
In her contributions, the Chief Executive Officer, National Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hajia Hafsat Bakari, represented by Abdul Rahman Mustapha thanked the Ministry and Nigeria Police Force for the collaborative efforts which is a crucial step towards strengthening the capacity to address transnational insecurity adding that WAPIS approach enable secure and effective sharing of intelligence among West Africa security agencies.
Earlier, the Inspector General of Police IGP Olukayode Egbetokun represented by Deputy Inspector General, (Intelligence), DIG Dasuki Galadachi averred that criminals have increasingly grown in sophistication and are constantly Collaboratory and networking and there is the need to match their level of advancement and innovation in order to stay ahead.
According to him, “As we gather in this collaborative spirit, we must be mindful that our collective efforts are vital to tackling the complex security challenges we face today as a people with common interest.”