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National Data Fusion Centre: A Game Changer in Crime Management
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By Bolaji O. Kazeem
The surging population of youths with diminishing societal values copycat syndrome, and dwindling access to public revenue space have caused irrational minds to see crimes as the only alternative to getting rich quickly, to replicate the lavish standard of living being flaunted by individuals, thereby using the ill-gotten wealth to oppress others in society to the detriment of the dedicated, diligent and peaceful majority contributing to the development of the nation in lawful ways.
The conversation in the communities and the nation at large is about challenges of insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, cybercrimes, violent crime, terrorism, one chance/419, armed robbery, and transnational crime as well as economic saboteurs despite the success story of the security operatives in Nigeria who confronted these criminals with minimal personal protective gadgets.
These criminal activities have made everyone conscious and apprehensive of fellow citizens as the level of trust among individuals has diminished. The percentage of those causing these crimes is not more than five percent of the peace-loving 195 million people and their actions are on the front burner in every household.
The organization responsible for enforcing the internal security of this nation is the Nigeria Police Force which had its job cut out due to the enormous reportage of crime incidents in the country. The personnel available to the NPF has been stretched beyond the limit despite the support of other security agencies to curb crimes in the country, and yet it has not yielded the desired results.
The secessionists and nihilists among the population have further compounded the existing security challenges in the country. The meagre and highly expensive trained 350,000 personnel available to fight crimes in the country of about 200 million were being ambushed, maimed, and killed by these heartless and bloodthirsty elements.
Government at all levels and the private sector have been trying to boost the morale of the rank and file through the provision of numerous operational assets to tackle the challenges of crime in society; these efforts have not matched up to the enormous requirement assets that would enable them to perform optimally to curb nefarious activities of the criminals amidst the expanse of land to cover.
Currently, modern-day criminal activities are sophisticated, and those involved are highly creative and educated based on their access to information and communication technology tools. This has translated to evasion of arrest and loss of lives and properties in the country.
Criminal activities no longer have boundaries; it involves many people from different backgrounds, languages, sex, colour, and countries. They are cooperating in groups across the world to defraud, monitor, maim, and kill innocent citizens.
This endemic situation is a worldwide phenomenon over which other nations have control through the effective use of data to curb crimes and arrest criminals in their environment. Modern policing predisposes a serious nation to have one single database, which Nigeria has not been able to do previously despite numerous data with various security organizations.
On assumption of office in August 2023, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, observed that there was no adequate collaboration among the law enforcement agencies as they all operate independently in the area of information sharing. All security agencies have individual data that cannot be accessed by the Nigeria Police to curb and arrest criminals.
With the rising security challenges and threats in the country, he identified the strengthening of inter-agency collaboration through the sharing of vital intelligence and classified information to curb the menace.
The game changer is the construction of the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre (NCDFC) by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Police Affairs which is the main deliverable given to the Minister by Mr. President to tackle the security challenges being faced in the country.
The National Criminal Data Fusion Centre (NCDFC), also known as the Data Collection and Registration Centre (DACORE), which is the heart of the progress of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) is now fully functional. The NCDFC when fully executed will incorporate the existing Data Collection and Registration Centre (DACORE) which is presently operating under the West African Police Information System (WAPIS).
The centre is the hub for the collation of information on criminal proceedings from various law enforcement agencies. The subsequent analyzed information will be shared with relevant agencies and partners as it will significantly enhance our capability to track and neutralize threats.
Similarly, the Data Collection and Registration Centre (DACORE) serves as the epicenter of data collection efforts, consolidating vital information that would empower law enforcement agencies to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats.
Within a year, the Minister has facilitated key agencies to fully embrace the WAPIS initiative, while others are gradually picking up. They are now equipped with WAPIS terminals, allowing them to access critical information and significantly enhance the collective efforts to combat crime and maintain security.
Given Nigeria’s dedication to capacity building, the Ministry has organized more than six training sessions, some of which were expertly conducted by our national trainers. This investment in training ensures that our law enforcement personnel are not only proficient in using the WAPIS system but are also well-prepared to harness its full potential in safeguarding our nation.
The Ministry knowing fully well the need for cooperation among security agencies organized a three-day workshop on Interagency Collaboration WAPIS with the theme: Interagency Collaboration Among Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria with the participation of officers from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF); Nigeria Navy (NN); Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC); Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); and National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU). Others are the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC); Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS); Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); and the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) as well as Nigeria Custom Services (NCS).
To make the apprehension of criminals in the country seamless, the Ministry has upgraded the existing Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database Centre (NPCIDB). This has enabled police to document criminals’ data through biometrics of criminals from Divisional Police Stations across the country and digitally forwarded to the NPCIDB located in the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre.
The government is leveraging existing facilities to establish the NPCIDB which is domiciled with the Nigeria Police Force and in line with the global practice in many countries that the Police is the custodian and repository for criminal databases and other related matters. NPCIDB has already been deployed in the 36 States and the FCT.
These efforts by the Ministry have enhanced the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force to work with Interpol to apprehend trans-border and local criminals swiftly and accurately based on the digital data available to all security agencies. The Ministry is working with heads of security agencies and his counterparts in the Ministry of Defence, Interior, and National Security Adviser to consolidate the interagency collaboration and most importantly bring the Nigeria Army and others on board to ensure seamless collaboration.
The current report from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) indicated that crime and criminality have been reduced by at least 65 percent in frequency since the inception of the current administration which is in tandem with efforts of the security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force in the country. Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj Gen Emmanuel Undiandeye, said this while welcoming participants to the Chief of Defence Intelligence Annual Conference 2024, with the theme, “Exploring the Role of Technology in Strengthening National and Regional Security.”
What remains for the Federal Government is to improve funding of the Ministry of Police Affairs to enable it to implement most of the cutting-edge policies and infrastructures that would enable the Nigeria Police Force to be ahead of criminals in the country.
Bolaji O. Kazeem is the Head,Information & Public Relations, Ministry of Police Affairs, Abuja, and this article is published in collaboration with the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
News
ADC Unveils Presidential Campaign Council, Names Ibrahim-Imam As Chairman, Dele Momodu As Head, Media/Publicity
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election, describing the structure as “lean” in response to the economic realities facing Nigerians.
The council, approved by the party’s presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, will be chaired by Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, with former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, serving as Deputy Chairman.
Senator Austin Akobundu will serve as Director-General and Campaign Manager, with responsibility for translating the campaign’s strategy into coordinated action.
The council will have six Deputy Directors-General overseeing various operational directorates, while 30 directors have been assigned specific responsibilities.
In a statement on Thursday, Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council and Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, said the structure was deliberately kept “lean” to reflect the economic circumstances confronting Nigerians.
“When families are struggling with food prices, transport costs and shrinking incomes, a campaign asking for their trust must show discipline in how it operates,” Shaibu said.
Dele Momodu will head the Media and Communications Directorate, while Dino Melaye will lead Contact and Mobilisation.
Mohammed Hayatudeen will chair the Policy Team, working with Professor Mohammed Sagagi and other members, including Professor Kingsley Moghalu, while Chief John Oyegun will chair the Campaign Advisory Board.
Shaibu said the campaign structure was designed to be focused on work, with clearly defined responsibilities for every directorate and assignment for every director.
“Our measure of success will be how clearly we address the cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power—and how effectively we organise to make Nigeria affordable again,” he said.
The council is expected to coordinate the ADC’s presidential campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
President Bola Tinubu has extended his “working vacation” in Europe by a few days and is expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend, the Presidency said on Monday.
The announcement came as Vice President Kashim Shettima represents the President at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement.
Tinubu departed Nigeria on August 30 to begin his working vacation in London. After spending one week in the United Kingdom, he proceeded to Paris, France, where he held meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and businessman Vincent Bolloré.
Bolloré’s media interests include Canal+, MultiChoice and Universal Music Group.
A statement signed on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu has remains in touch with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of government despite being away from Nigeria.
One of the major decisions taken by the President during the period was his directive for an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna following their detention by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The deaths had raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the detention and treatment of the miners, prompting the President to order an independent probe.
Tinubu’s decision to extend his stay abroad means he will not personally attend the opening of the high-level segment of the UN General Assembly in New York. Shettima, who departed Abuja on September 20, is representing the President at the global gathering and will present Nigeria’s national statement.
The Presidency said the Vice President’s representation was part of the arrangements for Tinubu’s absence from the country.
With Shettima now in New York, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to represent the President at some official functions.
The Presidency said Tinubu had also delegated the Vice President to represent him at official functions while he was away, while Akume had similarly stepped in at other engagements.
The President’s extended stay in Europe also comes amid increased political activities at home ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Presidency, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading notable leaders of the ruling party in consultations with prominent traditional rulers across the country.
The consultations form part of ongoing political engagements as the administration moves towards the next electoral cycle.
The Presidency also reacted strongly to criticism over Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN General Assembly personally.
It described as irresponsible what it called a “baseless insinuation” by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm headed by an ex-convict regarding the President’s non-attendance at the global gathering.
The Presidency maintained that Nigeria would be adequately represented by Shettima, who will deliver the country’s national statement.
Tinubu’s latest trip began as an official working vacation, during which the President combined his leave with selected diplomatic, business and governmental engagements.
His meeting with Macron in Paris provided an opportunity for discussions on bilateral relations, while his engagement with Bolloré focused on business and investment interests involving Nigeria.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to reduce the cost of petrol, saying Nigerians are struggling with the combined impact of high energy, transportation and food prices.
Atiku made the call on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing on fuel prices, palliatives and the rising cost of living. His comments came amid renewed concerns over the effect of higher petrol prices on households and businesses.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate said the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023 placed additional pressure on families, workers, farmers and businesses.
He said the effect of higher petrol prices was not limited to motorists, as increased transportation and logistics costs had also pushed up the prices of food and other essential goods.
“When government makes energy expensive, it makes life expensive,” Atiku said.
The former vice president recalled that he had previously called for government intervention to reduce petrol prices, but said Tinubu had dismissed the proposal as showing “serious ignorance” of governance and the economy.
Atiku questioned whether the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), petroleum marketers, manufacturers and ordinary Nigerians who had raised concerns about rising costs could all be described as ignorant.
“When workers, producers, marketers and ordinary families are all raising the alarm, government must listen,” he said.
He said the government should be prepared to review its policies when their consequences become difficult for citizens to bear, adding that rising production costs were putting further pressure on manufacturers while families were finding it harder to afford basic goods.
Atiku also argued that government revenue and GDP figures did not necessarily reflect the economic reality facing ordinary Nigerians.
“If government receives more Naira while the citizen’s naira buys less food, less fuel, less electricity and less transportation, then bigger government revenues mean little to the family struggling to survive,” he said.
The ADC candidate urged Tinubu to use the remaining eight months of his first term to reduce the burden on Nigerians and consider any measure capable of lowering petrol prices, even if the proposal came from a political opponent.
“What matters to me is that Nigerians pay less,” Atiku said. “A sensible idea does not become a bad idea because it came from your opponent.”
He also offered to make his policy framework available to the Tinubu administration, saying Nigerians should not have to wait for a new government before benefiting from policies that could provide relief.
“If you need the framework, I will provide it. Implement it under your government. Give it whatever name you choose. Take the credit,” he said.
“I ask for only one thing: Let Nigerians breathe.”
