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Police Affairs Minister Charges Law Enforcement Agencies on Synergy to Curb Insecurity
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has charged all law enforcement agencies to synergize with the required speed and political will through information sharing in order to curb criminality in the country, according to a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Information, Mr Bolaji Kazeem, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
He stated this during a three-day workshop on Interagency Collaboration with the theme: Interagency Collaboration Among Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria held at the REIZ Continental Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja.
The Minister pointed out that on assumption of Office in August 2023, he observed that there was no adequate collaboration among the law enforcement agencies as they all operate independently in information sharing and there is an urgent need for all law enforcement agencies to synergize on the future of security architecture with all the required speed and political will.
In his words, “With the country’s rising security challenges and threats, there is no better time than now to build on strengthening inter-agency collaboration through the sharing of vital intelligence and classified information to curb the menace”.
He added that the workshop focuses on achieving one of the deliverables vested in the Ministry of Police Affairs (MPA) by Mr. President on tackling the security challenges being faced in the country.
Gaidam opined that the West African Police Information System (WAPIS), is a technological tool that embodies the commitment to regional integration and cooperation enabling police forces across West Africa to share Intelligence and collaborate seamlessly.
According to him, “It empowers the police force to act swiftly and decisively against criminal activities. I strongly believe that if a similar system like WAPIS is deployed among law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, it will go a long way in curbing internal security challenges.
The Minister stated the remarkable achievements attained over the past year by the Ministry which include among others: The establishment of a National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC) for the Nigeria Police Force; the adoption of a legal framework related to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS); the provision of terminals that allow security Agencies to access critical information on WAPIS; Provision of 24/7 internet service as well as signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INTERPOL to reaffirm the commitment of the country to work together with other countries for the greater good of the region and the world.
In her goodwill message, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote represented by Director of Information Technology Identity Database, Engr. Lanre Yusuf commended the Ministry and Nigeria Police Force for creating a platform to further collaboration and dialogue for security agencies assuring that her agency is ready to support through the provision of reliable and secure identity management steps.
In her contributions, the Chief Executive Officer, National Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Hajia Hafsat Bakari represented by Abdul Rahman Mustapha thanked the Ministry and Nigeria Police Force for the collaborative efforts which is a crucial step towards strengthening the capacity to address transnational insecurity adding that WAPIS approach enable secure and effective sharing of intelligence among West Africa security agencies.
Earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector General, (Intelligence), DIG Dasuki Galadachi noted that criminals have increasingly grown in sophistication and are constantly collaborating and networking, stressing the need to match their level of advancement and innovation in order to stay ahead.
“As we gather in this collaborative spirit, we must be mindful that our collective efforts are vital to tackling the complex security challenges we face today as a people with common interest,” he said.
The campaign team of Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has announced that their leader, who is Governorship aspirant, has formally purchased the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 general elections in Lagos State.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued on Wednesday by Gbenga Ogunleye, spokesperson for the Jandor campaign organisation, marking a significant step in Adediran’s bid to contest for the state’s top office.
According to the statement, the move underscores Adediran’s commitment to due process and strict adherence to the party’s internal democratic procedures.
The governorship aspirant also reiterated his alignment with the party’s decision to adopt direct primaries for all elective positions, expressing optimism that the process would enhance grassroots participation, strengthen unity within the party, and promote inclusiveness in the emergence of candidates.
Jandor further reaffirmed his loyalty to the National Leader of the APC and President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while also paying tribute to party leaders in Lagos State for their continued guidance and commitment to progressive ideals.
He also extended gratitude to members of the JAGABAN–JANDOR 2027 Movement, young Lagosians, and supporters who contributed financially towards the purchase of the nomination forms, commending their dedication and belief in his leadership capacity.
Jandor assured party members and residents of Lagos State that his governorship ambition is rooted in unity, inclusiveness, and a commitment to sustaining and advancing good governance under the APC platform.
All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Samuel Ajose, has declared that the endorsement of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the next governor by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) will not stand.
GAC, regarded as the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, endorsed Hamzat, as its consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The decision was reached during a closed-door meeting held at Lagos House, Marina, indicating an early alignment within the ruling party ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Speaking after the session, GAC leader, Tajudeen Olusi, said members unanimously agreed on Hamzat, expressing confidence in his ability to sustain and build on the state’s developmental progress.
Olusi explained that the meeting was convened to deliberate on the party’s forthcoming primaries and assess the governorship position ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking about the GAC adoption of Hamzat as Lagos APC consensus 2027 governorship candidate on Arise News on Tuesday, Ajose said that Sanwo-Olu and others are trying to force President Tinubu into making a decision.
“I don’t think our president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is giving in to what they are doing.
“What they are just trying to do is to coerce him into taking a decision, and I don’t think that decision will stand.”
The House of Representatives has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to borrow Five Hundred and Sixteen Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-three Thousand, seven ($516,333,007) US dollars in syndicated financing from Deutsche Bank AG.
The House approved it during the plenary on Tuesday in Abuja after the presentation of a report by the deputy chairman of the House Committee on Aids, Loans, and Debts Management, Abdullahi Rasheed.
The money is expected to fund the construction of sections of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway.
President Tinubu wrote to the lawmakers, seeking a $516.3 million loan from Deutsche Bank to support the construction of the road.
The president said the loan, to be sourced from a syndicated financing facility by Deutsche Bank, will fund sections 1, 1A, and 1B of the project, which covers about 120 kilometres.
Tinubu requested a resolution in line with Sections 16 and 21 of the Debt Management Office (Establishment) Act, 2011, to enable the federal government to secure the financing for Sections 1, Phase 1A, and Phase 1B of the project.
The project is a flagship initiative of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is targeted at enhancing national connectivity, improving the movement of goods across key economic corridors, and drastically shrinking travel time.
The 1,000-kilometre project will link Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos states, connecting Illela to Badagry.
According to him, the financing arrangement will be backed by a partial risk guarantee from the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC).
He said the Federal government will provide counterpart funding of over N265 billion for land acquisition, compensation, and related infrastructure.
The former Lagos governor said the loan is structured for nine years and includes a three-year grace period.
It has an interest rate pegged at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange SOFR plus 5.3 per cent per annum.
Already, the Federal Executive Council has approved the financing plan.
