FCTA Plays Host To G-7 Security Members, Urges Synergy To Curb CBC

The call for effective synergy among security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its six neighbouring states to stem the tide of cross-border crime (CBC) and criminality has been strongly advocated.

The Minister of the FCT, Dr. Nyesom Wike, made the call in Abuja when he declared open the G-7 States Technical Security Committee meeting at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.

The meeting was put together to chart a way forward in ending incidences of kidnapping and one-chance syndicates along the fringes of Abuja’s borders and the six neighbouring states.

Wike, who was represented by the FCTA Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, commended security operatives for their sacrifices and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to providing resources and platforms to strengthen regional security cooperation.

He noted that criminal elements continuously devise new ways to defraud unsuspecting citizens, hence the need for joint security personnel to equip themselves with modern technology-driven tools and shared intelligence in order to win the war against insecurity.

The G-7 Technical Committee meeting brought together security chiefs from the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Benue, and Plateau States.

“The nature of threats has become increasingly dynamic, and criminal elements are exploiting technology and porous boundaries. Only through coordinated operations can we overcome them,” he said,

Wike pointed out that the latest meeting was convened following reports of resurging criminal activities across the fringes of the FCT.

Director of Security Services, Mr. Adamu Gwary, reaffirmed that while states may record individual successes, greater results are achieved collectively.

On her part, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, called for heightened security surveillance in the areas of food security, women and children protection, as well as school and health security, stressing that security goes beyond perimeter fencing.

Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi urged the G-7 to keep the collaboration alive, adding that the construction of bus terminals in the FCT is evidence of Minister Wike’s commitment to the safety and security of commuters in the territory.

Similarly, the Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, stressed the need for schools to be well secured to prevent the abduction of teachers and the rising cases of out-of-school children caused by the fear of kidnapping.

“We cannot continue this way because the negative impact of out-of-school children is too dangerous to ignore,” she warned.

Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, AIG Usaini Gumel said the G-7 collaboration has yielded positive results.

“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,” he said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the FCT Commissioner of Police and Chairman of the G-7 Technical Committee, CP Ajao Adewale, reiterated that cross-border crimes cannot be fought in isolation.

He reminded members of the G-7 not to lose sight of their mandate in building a formidable force using both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to neutralize disgruntled criminal elements threatening the peace of the region.

Also, Brigadier General Bisi Onasanya, who described the meeting as timely, said security has a huge impact on both social life and the economic growth of a nation. He stressed that all hands must be on deck to sustain the collaborative gains without compromise.

“It will be very dangerous for us to rest on our oars because it is not yet Uhuru. This gathering must translate into actionable strategies that guarantee that every man and woman in the FCT and neighbouring states can go to bed with their two eyes closed,” he warned.

The G-7 Technical Committee is expected to map out vulnerable areas, develop operational strategies, and recommend decisive measures to strengthen security in the region, thereby reducing crime to its barest minimum.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji