Nigeria Strengthens Internal Security with INTERPOL Tools – Minister Gaidam
The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam says collaboration among security agencies will serve as a vital platform to enhance the capacity of Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies in leveraging INTERPOL’s tools to foster peace and security across the nation.
He stated this at the workshop on the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) with the theme “Strengthening Internal Security: A Path to a Safer Nigeria,” organized by the Ministry of Police Affairs in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force and National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, held at the Rockview Hotel in Abuja.
In a press statement e-signed and released to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Mr. Bolaji Kazeem, the Minister said that he firmly believed that the insights and outcomes from the workshop will be critical in addressing the pervasive insecurity that currently afflicts Nigerian society.
In his words, “We must acknowledge that for decades, our nation has grappled with the chronic issue of criminal victimization, which has severely impacted the safety and well-being of our citizens. In recent years, we have faced an alarming rise in insurgency and terrorism, which have taken on increasingly complex international dimensions.”
He said the erosion of safety in the country extends far beyond the direct consequences of crime; it calls for a robust response to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework with the aid of advanced international policing tools. “As technology evolves, so too must our strategies to combat these threats,” the Minister stressed.
According to him, “INTERPOL is a prestigious organization with a membership spanning 196 countries, actively engaged in combating terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime, among other pressing issues. This workshop is convened with the intent of exploring and understanding INTERPOL’s resources, enabling us to effectively integrate these tools into our internal, regional, and global security efforts.”
Gaidam opined that by adopting methodologies akin to those employed by INTERPOL, Nigeria can significantly mitigate internal security challenges, given the myriad security threats facing the nation today. “It is imperative that we embrace international standards to safeguard lives, properties, and infrastructure, thereby fostering economic development and stability,” the Minister added.
He enumerated some of the remarkable strides made over the past year in fulfilling the mandates of the Ministry, which included:
Establishment of a National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC) for the Nigeria Police Force; 24/7 internet service for the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS).
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with INTERPOL.
Automation of Police Specialized Services.
Provision of WAPIS terminals, granting security agencies access to critical information.
Adoption of a legal framework related to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS).
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Major General Olatokunbo Bello, expressed gratitude for the honor given to him to be part of the workshop.
He noted that due to the rising security challenges in the country, the workshop provides an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas and collaborate to improve INTERPOL activities, which will help in tackling Nigeria’s security issues.
The Chairman, Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), stated that security has taken a new dimension in the 21st century, and threats are no longer primarily from conventional (traditional) factors of the usual narrative.
He added that the workshop, which is entirely INTERPOL-driven, and the National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja will be of great assistance to law enforcement agents in the areas of intelligence gathering, investigation, and collection of electronic evidence on transnational organized crime and corruption.
Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Patrick Daaor, reiterated that the police’s broad mandate over all crimes requires continuous structured engagement and collaboration with other national law enforcement agencies, irrespective of their mandates.
According to him, “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, where citizens feel empowered to collaborate with law enforcement in maintaining peace and security.”
