The G-7 States Technical Committee, made up of FCT and its six neighboring states, met in Abuja to develop strategies to address cross-border security challenges. The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that the committee was made up of security chiefs. from FCT, Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states.
The attendees are Police Commissioners, State Directors of the State Security Services and Commanders of the Nigerian Civil Defense and Security Corps.
The FCT Permanent Secretary for Administration, Olusade Adesola, said at the opening of the meeting on Wednesday that the G-7 provides an opportunity for intelligence gathering, sharing and joint border operations.
Mr. Adesola, who was represented by Ishaq Sadeeq, Acting Secretary of the Secretariat for Agricultural and Rural Development, FCTA, said the aim was to address security challenges besetting the seven member states.
He said security chiefs convened the G-7 States Technical Committee Meeting to address the recent rise in criminal elements traversing the FCT and member states.
He added that the purpose of the meeting was to review operational strategies that would ensure optimal success.
According to him, the G-7 states would periodically hold joint meetings to assess prevailing security challenges and articulate an action agenda for their implementation.
“Security, as we all know, is a fundamental pillar on which any prosperous society is built and an essential component that ensures the safety, well-being and prosperity of our residents.
“In recognition of this fact, the FCT Administration has consistently prioritized the platform to improve security measures within our territory and beyond.
“Recently, the Administration provided various operational vehicles and security devices to security agencies within the Territory, in an attempt to effectively combat crime and criminality.”
Mr. Adesola tasked committee members with coming up with adaptable strategies to combat cross-border crime and implementing them for the safety of the FCT and neighboring states.
Earlier, the Committee Chairman, Police Commissioner, FCT Command, Haruna Garba, said that the G-7 was launched in 2007 by the then FCT Minister Modibbo Umar.
Mr. Garba said the idea was to address crime and crime problems that afflicted the FCT and its adjoining states.
“The idea was for states to pool their resources, both human and material, to fight criminals simultaneously.
“As we gather here, it is imperative that we recognize the gravity of the task at hand. Our beloved states are at a critical juncture, where security concerns have become increasingly complex and technology-driven.
“This requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
“The G-7 operations represent a united front, bringing together our collective expertise and experience to address the prevailing security challenges facing our states,” he said.
The commissioner stressed that the G7 platform provided a unique opportunity to reinforce collective efforts and chart a way forward for better results.
This, he said, would not only mitigate existing threats to the collective survival of the FCT and the adjoining state, but also prevent future ones.
“Our collaboration, coordination, and continued intelligence sharing will undoubtedly serve as the foundation of our success.
“Let’s take advantage of this platform to foster understanding, strengthen partnerships and devise innovative strategies that will defeat crime and criminality,” he said.
ALSO READ: Lack of medical staff, corruption prevails in Abuja PHCs report
Also speaking, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Adebowale Williams, emphasized the need for a community partnership to address the security challenges peculiar to G-7 member states.
Similarly, FCT Security Services Department Director Adamu Gwary said the G-7 initiative would strengthen collective efforts to combat security challenges, particularly cross-border crime.
(YAYA)