Tackling terrorism in Nigeria needs a full approach – Gaidam

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Minister of Police Affairs Senator Ibrahim Gaidam has said fighting terrorism in Nigeria takes a broad, teamwork approach among security agencies.

He spoke at a stakeholders’ conference on security, themed “A Path to Regional Cooperation”, held by the Ministry of Police Affairs, Nigeria Police Force, and National Central Bureau (NCB).

“Implementing the international standard and good practice of sound, modern, integrated, and cooperative border management will go a long way in putting an end to this threat,” Gaidam said.

He urged everyone at the event to work together for better security. “We can overcome these challenges and emerge as a beacon of stability and progress in Africa if all hands are put on deck,” he added.

The conference aimed to plan ways to boost regional security. It focused on building ties with Interpol member countries in West Africa to share info, skills, and ideas to stop cross-border crimes. Gaidam noted that despite government efforts, terrorism has grown worse. The 2024 Global Terrorism Index ranks Nigeria 6th most affected globally.

He listed government actions like sending out the military, working with other countries, passing anti-terrorism laws, setting up the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) with terminals for agencies, and creating the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre (NCDFC) for the police.

DIG Hashimu Salisu (retd), Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and Brigadier General Buba Marwa, NDLEA Chairman, sent reps to speak. They said no country can face threats alone and called for teamwork.