Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called for the adoption of modern crime-fighting techniques in Abuja and neighboring states to combat cross-border crimes.
Wike made the call at the 10th G-7 Security Summit organized by the FCT Administration in Abuja with a view to enhancing security in the FCT and its contiguous States.
The G-7 States include Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and the FCT. The cooperation among these states is seen as crucial for combating the security challenges that transcend boundaries.
Represented by the Head of Service, FCTA, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, Minister Wike noted that criminal elements have adapted and exploited technological advancement to further their illicit activities in a rapidly evolving world, and highlighted the need for a dynamic approach, including synergy and joint operations, among other strategies to overcome the exploits of criminally minded individuals.
In a statement by the Assistant Director Press office of the Minister Rabi Umar, Wike called on the G-7 Technical Committee to devise “the most adaptable strategies in combating cross-border crime and criminality” to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s capital and surrounding states.
He said, “It is important that our security agencies have access to modern techniques and strategies among which is a joint operation strategy to effectively curtail the forays of criminal elements at all levels”.
“I therefore charge the members of the Technical Committee of the G-7 States to put on their thinking cap and come up with the most adaptable strategies in combating cross-border crimes and criminality and deploy the same for the safety and the security of the seat of government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the States contiguous to the FCT”, the Minister stated.
While appreciating the tireless efforts of security personnel, Barr. Wike acknowledged their bravery and sacrifice and pledged the commitment of the government to empowering security agencies with the necessary tools to protect lives and property and maintain law and order.
Speaking earlier, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, said the G-7 security summit was conceived with the vision of tackling cross-border crimes in all their manifestations, including the challenges of kidnapping, banditry, car snatching, and human trafficking within the FCT and its contiguous States.
He noted that the criminal activities transcend boundaries and demand joint coordinated responses, collective vigilance, and intelligence sharing, expressing confidence that deliberations at the summit will produce actionable recommendations that will further strengthen the G-7 as a formidable security body.
