The Federal Government says it has entered into a new partnership with the governments of Niger, France and the United Kingdom to tackle cross-border crimes.

The Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen.Abdulrahman Dambazau, disclosed this in a statement issued by his Secretary, Mr Ehisienmen Osaigbovo, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Dambazu said the partnership was initiated by the UK and France to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria and Niger Republic in the area of border management, intelligence sharing and legal cooperation.

He also said that the partnership sought to strengthen cooperation among security agencies of the four countries in combating human trafficking, drugs peddling, illicit arms proliferation and terrorism.

According to the minister, the partnership is expected to deliver on its objectives 12 months to 36 months.

Dambazau disclosed that the development was a fallout of a sideline meeting of the four countries at the Regional Conference on Anti-human Trafficking/Smuggling of Migrants held in Niamey, Niger Republic on June 18 and June 19. (NAN)