Terrorism Requires United Front, Regional Intelligence Sharing – Minister Gaidam Tells Security Stakeholders

Terrorism Requires United Front, Regional Intelligence Sharing – Minister Gaidam Tells Security Stakeholders

Abuja, Nigeria – April 9, 2025
The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has emphasized the need for a coordinated, multi-agency, and cross-border approach to effectively tackle the growing threat of terrorism and other transnational crimes in West Africa.

Speaking at the Stakeholders Conference on Security, themed “A Path to Regional Cooperation,” held at Rockview Hotels, Abuja, Senator Gaidam highlighted the importance of regional intelligence sharing and international best practices in border management. The event was organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Central Bureau (NCB).

“Terrorism is a complex challenge that requires more than isolated efforts. We must align our strategies, implement modern integrated border security systems, and build partnerships across West African nations to strengthen our regional resilience,” the Minister said.

Gaidam noted that despite efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to curb insecurity—through the deployment of surveillance drones, biometric systems at border checkpoints, and data analytics—terrorism remains a serious threat. He referenced the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, which ranked Nigeria as the 6th most impacted country globally.

The Minister outlined additional government interventions, including the deployment of the military in conflict zones, legal reforms, international partnerships, the rollout of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), and the establishment of the National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC) to aid intelligence coordination within the Nigeria Police Force.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salisu (Rtd), the Director of Police Discipline, Ferdinand Uchechukwu Ekpe, stated that no nation can tackle terrorism in isolation. “A secure Nigeria is essential to a secure ECOWAS region,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by Director of Intelligence Kennedy Zirangey, pointed out that drug abuse remains a major enabler of terrorism and violent crimes, as many criminal foot soldiers rely on narcotics.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by DIG A.A. Hamzat, noted the convergence of illegal drugs, small arms, and light weapons in the hands of criminal actors. He warned that weak border enforcement and disjointed intelligence-sharing mechanisms continue to hinder efforts to curb organized crime.

The conference brought together key players in Nigeria’s security architecture and reinforced the call for a united, regional approach to combating terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.

Signed:
Bolaji O. Kazeem
Deputy Director (Information and Public Relations)
Ministry of Police Affairs
April 9, 2025