Gaidam Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Reforms in the Nigeria Police Force

Gaidam Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Reforms in the Nigeria Police Force

The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing sustainable policies and programmes aimed at strengthening the Nigeria Police Force through reforms, capacity building, and technological advancement.

Gaidam, who made this known at the 2025 Annual Conference of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), where he was honoured with the Iconic Man of the Year Award, commended the robust synergy among the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, including the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), state Forest Guards, and the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun).

Represented by the Head of Public Affairs of the Ministry, Mr. Bolaji Kazeem, the Minister emphasized that “security is the foundation upon which all human endeavours are built,” adding that achieving lasting peace and prosperity requires inclusiveness, people-centred approaches, and collective responsibility.

The high-profile event drew the participation of top law enforcement officers and security chiefs from across the country. These included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal Bashir R. Mamman; the AIG in charge of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, representing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun; the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, represented by the Lagos Sector Commander, CC Kehinde Hamzat; and the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, represented by the Lagos Commandant, Keshinro Sunday.

Other dignitaries included the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, represented by DCE Ayo Oyewole; the Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu SAN, represented by Commissioner Chukwurah Alexander; Commander of the Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun), Amb. Akogun Adetunji Adeleye; Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. DCP Akinbayo Olasoji; and Board Member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan.

Business leaders, faith-based representatives, and policy executives were also present, including the MD/CEO of Smithcrown Construction Ltd, Engr. Chris Agbede; the General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Prof. Daniel K. Olukoya, represented by Prof. Sesan Oliyide; the CEO of Trans Energy E-Global, Mr. Umar Ahmed Tijani; and the CSO of Proforce Nigeria, Mr. Lawal Abiola.

Highlighting Nigeria’s current security challenges, including ungoverned spaces, limited resources, illegal mining, and rising cases of kidnapping, Gaidam said the Ministry under his leadership has intensified efforts to reform, re-equip, and retrain the Police for improved service delivery.

He outlined key achievements, such as the establishment of the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre (NCDFC), the Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database (NPCIDB), the strengthening of community policing initiatives, and the transparent recruitment of 30,000 additional officers.

The Minister also noted that the Ministry has deepened collaboration among security agencies to combat illegal mining, enhanced intelligence sharing through the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) and Interpol 24/7 platforms, and invested in surveillance technology, including drones and digital communication systems.

Describing the NCDFC as a “major milestone in intelligence-led policing,” Gaidam said it serves as a central platform where law enforcement agencies can pool, analyse, and share criminal data for improved operational efficiency. He added that the upgraded NPCIDB enables biometric documentation of suspects from divisional stations nationwide, enhancing criminal tracking and database management.

Gaidam urged Nigerians to support the Police through investments in technology, logistics, and welfare, noting that modern policing depends heavily on innovation and public cooperation.

He concluded, “Our Ministry remains committed to repositioning the Nigeria Police Force through data-driven strategies, inter-agency synergy, and international cooperation. Together, we can build a safer and stronger Nigeria.”