Nigeria’s Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has urged security agencies across the country to adopt international policing strategies, particularly those used by INTERPOL, to strengthen the fight against crime and terrorism.
Speaking at a workshop held in Abuja on Tuesday, Gaidam noted that Nigeria continues to struggle with growing security threats, including insurgency and terrorism, which have become increasingly complex. The event was organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Central Bureau.
“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 the importance of adopting modern, technology-driven strategies to improve national security. He noted that INTERPOL’s approach to policing could help Nigeria enhance its ability to combat security threats, protect lives, and safeguard 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 spoke about key security initiatives introduced by the Ministry of Police Affairs. These include the creation of a National Criminal Data Fusion Center to improve crime data management, providing round-the-clock internet service for the West Africa Police Information System, and signing a Memorandum of Understanding with INTERPOL to strengthen international security cooperation.
The workshop also featured remarks from top security officials. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who was represented by Major General Olatokunbo Bello, noted that the workshop aimed to improve collaboration and intelligence-sharing among security agencies.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), noted that modern security threats go beyond traditional crime. He stressed the need for security agencies to adopt advanced investigative techniques and intelligence-based policing to effectively tackle emerging threats.
Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor, called for stronger inter-agency cooperation and greater involvement of local communities in policing efforts. He noted that community engagement is key to building public trust and ensuring effective law enforcement.
