The Federal Government has reviewed its anti-kidnapping strategy and commenced the second phase of the expansion of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell to states.

This is said to be part of efforts to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve operational coordination against kidnapping across the country.

The initiative was unveiled by the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, with the support of the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, during the inauguration of the Second Edition of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell State Expansion Programme and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja.

According to a statement on Thursday by the Head of Strategic Communication of NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, the week-long programme, which runs from July 6 to July 10, brings together representatives of security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as international partners, including the British High Commission, to assess progress, review operational procedures and strengthen Nigeria’s response to kidnapping.

Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, said kidnapping remained one of Nigeria’s most serious security challenges, requiring stronger collaboration among security agencies.

Laka, whose speech was delivered by the Director of Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Peter Gbor, said criminal groups had continued to evolve their tactics by exploiting technology and operating across multiple jurisdictions.

He stated, “Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security threats, with criminal groups increasingly employing sophisticated tactics, exploiting technology and operating across multiple jurisdictions.

“Confronting these evolving threats requires sustained inter-agency collaboration, timely intelligence-sharing and coordinated operational responses.”

The NCTC coordinator said the establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell had significantly enhanced intelligence integration, operational coordination, geospatial analysis and information sharing among security agencies.

He noted that the platform had contributed to the disruption of kidnapping networks, successful rescue operations and strengthened investigative capabilities.

Laka, however, stressed that more work remained to be done, urging participants to use the stakeholders’ meeting to address existing operational gaps.

“While significant progress has been achieved, continuous collaboration remains essential to closing operational gaps exploited by criminal elements,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to “critically assess existing challenges, harmonise operational procedures, strengthen investigation and prosecution processes, and develop practical recommendations that will enhance Nigeria’s capacity to prevent kidnapping and protect its citizens.”

In his remarks, the International Liaison Officer of the UK National Crime Agency, Matt Mountain, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in tackling kidnapping and organised crime.

He commended Nigerian security agencies for what he described as their professionalism, courage and dedication despite increasingly complex operational challenges.

Mountain said, “Effective kidnap response begins at the state level, where initial intelligence, operational decisions and engagement with victims’ families often occur.”

He added that strengthening collaboration between state commands and the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell would enable “faster intelligence-sharing, improved operational coordination, enhanced support to victims’ families and greater success in rescuing victims and bringing offenders to justice.”

The UK official further pledged continued support for Nigerian-led security initiatives.

“The UK remains committed to supporting Nigerian-led initiatives through practical cooperation, professional exchange and capacity building, while respecting Nigeria’s leadership in addressing its security challenges,” he said.

Earlier, the Director of Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Gbor, said kidnapping had become not only a public safety concern but also a major source of funding for terrorist and organised criminal groups.

He noted that the Fusion Cell, operationalised on December 19, 2024, by the National Security Adviser, had become a critical platform for integrating intelligence, coordinating responses and providing advanced technical support to security agencies.

According to him, the second phase of the state expansion programme builds on the successes of the inaugural rollout by strengthening communication channels between state operational commanders and the Fusion Cell.

“The second phase of the State Expansion Programme builds upon the successes recorded during the inaugural rollout by strengthening communication channels between state operational commanders and the Fusion Cell.

“Participants will undergo intensive Kidnap Management Training based on the United Nations Kidnap Manual, while also reviewing the Cell’s Standard Operating Procedures and Terms of Reference to ensure greater operational effectiveness nationwide,” he said. (PUNCH)

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