FG Expands Anti Kidnap Fusion Cell to States, Reviews Security Strategy

The Federal Government has commenced the second phase of the expansion of the Multi Agency Anti Kidnap Fusion Cell to states as part of renewed efforts to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve operational coordination in the fight 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 held in Abuja.

According to a statement issued by the Head of Strategic Communication at the NCTC, Abu Michael, the stakeholders meeting reviewed existing operational procedures and explored measures to strengthen Nigeria’s response to the growing threat of kidnapping.

Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, described kidnapping as one of the country’s most pressing security challenges.

He said criminal groups had continued to adopt more sophisticated tactics by exploiting technology and operating across multiple jurisdictions, making stronger collaboration among security agencies imperative.

Laka noted that confronting the evolving threat requires sustained inter agency cooperation, timely intelligence sharing and coordinated operational responses.

According to him, the establishment of the Multi Agency Anti Kidnap Fusion Cell has significantly improved intelligence integration, operational coordination, geospatial analysis and information sharing among relevant security agencies.

He added that the platform has contributed to the disruption of kidnapping networks, successful rescue operations and strengthened investigative capabilities across the country.

Despite the progress recorded, Laka stressed that more work remains to be done to address operational gaps exploited by criminal elements.

He urged participants at the stakeholders meeting to critically examine existing challenges, harmonise operational procedures and strengthen investigation and prosecution processes to improve the country’s capacity to prevent kidnapping.

The Federal Government said the expansion of the Fusion Cell to more states forms part of its broader strategy to enhance collaboration among security institutions and better protect citizens from kidnapping and other security threats nationwide.