The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has called for cross-border cooperation and intelligence sharing among the security agencies of the G-7 states to curb insecurity and crimes threatening the region.
Wike made the call at the opening of the G-7 States Technical Committee meeting held on Thursday at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi.
The G-7 Security Forum, established in 2007, comprises security chiefs from the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Benue and Plateau states. It was set up to share intelligence, review security trends, and adopt joint strategies.
Represented by the Head of the Civil Service of the FCT, Grace Adayilo, the minister noted the complexities of emerging threats ranging from kidnappings and banditry to human and drug trafficking, while calling for synergy, collaboration and innovative strategies.
“Criminal elements have adapted and exploited technological advancements to further their illicit activities, thus requiring such a dynamic approach like synergy and joint operations among other strategies to overcome the exploits of criminally-minded individuals.
“I, therefore, charge members of the Technical Committee of the G-7 states, to put on your thinking cap, come up with the most adaptable strategies in combating cross-border crime and criminality, and deploy same for the safety and security of the seat of government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the states contiguous to the FCT,” Wike said.
He commended security operatives for their sacrifices, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to providing resources and platforms to strengthen regional security cooperation.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Usaini Gumel, said the G-7 had proven its relevance over the years, while urging members to develop lasting strategies that align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Alone, each state may not achieve the desired results, but when seven states come together to fight a common enemy, crime and criminality, the outcome is always greater,” said Gumel, who spoke on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.
On his part, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, who also serves as Chairman of the G-7 Technical Committee, called for deeper inter-agency collaboration and sustained intelligence sharing.
He disclosed that the arrest of a Nasarawa-based kidnap syndicate led to the capture of its leader, Muhammad Tahir, who coordinated operations across Nasarawa and Plateau states. He added that a ransom of N7.4m was also recovered from the group, underscoring the need for cross-border cooperation.
“This singular case underscores the reality that cross-border crimes cannot be fought in its isolation, but through sustained intelligence sharing, and regional cooperation, which the G7 embodies.
“The challenges we face, kidnapping, banditry, human and drug trafficking, car snatching, religious extremism, and the increasing influx of destitute from region to region, transcend boundaries and demand joint coordinated responses, collective vigilance, intelligence sharing, and harmonised strategies that deny criminal sanctuary and dismantle their network,” Adewale stated.
Wike urges cross-border security cooperation among G-7 states
