The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) with the support of the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (UK-NCA), has inaugurated the Second Edition of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) State Expansion Programme and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led collaboration in the fight against kidnapping and organised crime.

The meeting brings together representatives from security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as international partners, including the British High Commission, to review progress, strengthen operational coordination and enhance Nigeria’s national response to kidnapping.

In a statement on Thursday, Head of Strategic Communication, NCTC, Abu Michael, said the meeting began on Monday 6 July and would be concluded on Friday 10 July, 2026.

Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka noted that kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security threats, with criminal groups increasingly employing sophisticated tactics, exploiting technology and operating across multiple jurisdictions.

He stressed that confronting the evolving threats require sustained inter-agency collaboration, timely intelligence-sharing and coordinated operational responses.

Laka whose speech was presented at the opening ceremony of the programme by the Director of Intelligence, Brig.-Gen. Peter Gbor, explained that the establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) had significantly improved intelligence integration, operational coordination, geospatial analysis and information-sharing among security agencies, contributing to the disruption of kidnapping networks, successful rescue operations and strengthened investigative capabilities.

The National Coordinator further emphasised that while significant progress has been achieved, continuous collaboration remains essential to closing operational gaps exploited by criminal elements.

He urged participants to use the stakeholders’ meeting as an opportunity to critically assess existing challenges, harmonise operational procedures, strengthen investigation and prosecution processes, and as well, develop practical recommendations that will enhance Nigeria’s capacity to prevent kidnapping and protect its citizens.

In his remarks, the NCA International Liaison Officer, Mr Matt Mountain reaffirmed UK’s strong partnership with Nigeria in combating serious and organised crime.

Mountain commended Nigerian security agencies for their professionalism, courage and dedication in responding to kidnapping incidents despite increasingly complex operational challenges.

He observed that effective kidnap response begins at the state level, where initial intelligence, operational decisions and engagement with victims’ families often occur. Strengthening the link between state commands and the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, he said, will facilitate faster intelligence-sharing, improved operational coordination, enhanced support to victims’ families and greater success in rescuing victims and bringing offenders to justice.

Mountain emphasised that UK remains committed to supporting Nigerian-led initiatives through practical cooperation, professional exchange and capacity building, while respecting Nigeria’s leadership in addressing its security challenges.

Earlier, the Director of Intelligence in his welcome address highlighted that kidnapping has become not only a major public safety concern but also a significant source of financing for terrorist and organised criminal groups.

Gbor maintained that the MAAKFC, operationalised on 19 December 2024 by the National Security Adviser, has become a critical platform for integrating intelligence, coordinating responses and supporting security agencies through advanced technical capabilities.

He stated that the second phase of the State Expansion Programme builds upon the successes recorded during the inaugural rollout by strengthening communication channels between state operational commanders and the Fusion Cell.

According to him, participants will undergo intensive Kidnap Management Training based on the United Nations Kidnap Manual, while also reviewing the Cell’s Standard Operating Procedures and Terms of Reference to ensure greater operational effectiveness nationwide.