Collaborate or fail, Police Affairs Minister tells security agencies

Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, on Tuesday, warned Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies to abandon their independent approach and prioritize sharing classified information and intelligence to effectively combat insecurity.

Gaidam spoke at a 3-day workshop in Abuja, emphasizing the need for synergy among agencies.

“On assumption of office in August 2023, I observed that there was no adequate collaboration among the law enforcement agencies as they all operate independently in the area of information sharing. This approach won’t solve our security challenges.”

He stressed, “With the rising security challenges and threats in the country, there is no better time than now to build on strengthening inter-agency collaboration through sharing of vital intelligence and classified information to curb the menace.”

Read Also: Senate tackles Air Force over unpaid insurance benefits to 174 families of deceased personnel

Gaidam advocated for a system similar to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), enabling seamless intelligence sharing across West Africa. “WAPIS is a technological tool that embodies our commitment to regional integration and cooperation. It enables police forces across West Africa to share intelligence and collaborate seamlessly.”

“I strongly believe that if a similar system like WAPIS is deployed among the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, it will go a long way in curbing internal security challenges,” Gaidam added.

He cautioned, “We cannot afford to continue employing the independent approach. Our security agencies must synergize and prioritize information sharing to effectively combat insecurity.”

Representatives from various law enforcement agencies attended the workshop, aimed at fostering inter-agency collaboration on information sharing.

Gaidam emphasized, “The absence of a unified approach has hindered our efforts to reduce crime. We must change our strategy to address the current insecurity affecting many parts of the country.”

“The time for change is now. We must work together, share intelligence, and collaborate seamlessly to protect Nigerians,” Gaidam concluded.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now