To counter terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other international security organisations are in strategic talks.

Speaking at the opening of the Regional Workshop on Maritime Border Security, organised yesterday by the NIS, its Comptroller-General, Mrs. Kemi Nana Nandap, stressed the collective resolve of governments in West and Central Africa to tackle piracy, terrorism, illicit flow of arms, migrant smuggling, human trafficking and stowaway, among other transnational organised crimes.

She also noted that the Atlantic coast of the Gulf of Guinea, particularly near Nigeria, is notorious for piracy and other maritime crimes.

At the workshop, themed ?Maritime Security in the Context of Counter-Terrorism in the Gulf of Guinea,? the NIS boss stated that maritime insecurity from illegal oil bunkering, fishing, piracy, armed robbery, and oil-related crimes threaten vessel and crew safety, adding that these threats undermine regional stability, and hinder economic growth and integration.

Similarly, the Comptroller General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, emphasised the need to close existing gaps in the country?s financial system, noting that terrorists have exploited these loopholes to fund their activities.

Addressing journalists, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirmed that the force had finalised plans to strengthen marine security operations.

The Minister for Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while declaring the event open, appreciated the NIS for taking the lead in the quest to review the country?s strategic border policy.

He underscored border security in the general well-being of Nigerians, while reiterating the readiness of the Federal Government to take difficult decisions in protecting the nation?s borders. (The Guardian)