INTERPOL’s tools key to strengthening Nigeria’s security – Minister

In a renewed effort to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has emphasized the critical role of security agency collaboration in leveraging INTERPOL’s tools to foster peace and stability across the country.

Speaking at a high-level workshop on the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) in Abuja, themed “Strengthening Internal Security: A Path to a Safer Nigeria,” the minister underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating organized crime, terrorism, and cyber threats.

The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, brought together top security officials to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s internal security framework.

Senator Gaidam stressed that Nigeria must adopt cutting-edge security solutions to address the evolving nature of crime, particularly insurgency and terrorism, which now have complex international dimensions.

“We must acknowledge that for decades, our nation has grappled with chronic criminal victimization, affecting the safety and well-being of our citizens. The rising threat of terrorism and organized crime calls for a robust internal security framework backed by advanced international policing tools,” he stated.

He described INTERPOL as a globally recognized institution with a membership of 196 countries, actively engaged in tackling terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and other transnational security threats. According to him, Nigeria must integrate INTERPOL’s resources into its security strategy to ensure the protection of lives, properties, and infrastructure.

Highlighting recent strides in Nigeria’s security sector, Gaidam listed key initiatives aimed at modernizing law enforcement operations, including: the establishment of a National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC) for intelligence sharing, 24/7 internet service for the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS) to enhance real-time data access, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate information exchange.

Others include the deployment of WAPIS terminals to security agencies for better coordination, automation of police specialized services to improve efficiency, and the adoption of a legal framework for WAPIS, ensuring compliance with international security protocols.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Major General Olatokunbo Bello, expressed optimism that the workshop would serve as a platform for security stakeholders to exchange ideas and strengthen INTERPOL activities in Nigeria.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), noted that security challenges have evolved beyond traditional threats, requiring intelligence-driven policing.

He stressed the role of INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau (NCB) in supporting law enforcement agencies with intelligence gathering, investigation, and electronic evidence collection.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Patrick Daaor, emphasized the importance of community engagement in security operations.

“One of the cornerstones of effective internal security is trust between the police and the communities we serve. We must work tirelessly to foster transparency, accountability, and open communication. Community policing should not just be a concept but a lived reality,” he stated.