Security agencies not sharing information among themselves – FG

The Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, has raised concerns over the lack of classified information-sharing among Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies, warning that this lack of coordination could hinder efforts to combat criminal activities across the country.

Speaking on Tuesday, October 29, at a three-day workshop in Abuja aimed at fostering inter-agency collaboration, Gaidam emphasized the urgent need for all security agencies to adopt a unified approach. He noted that upon assuming office in August 2023, he observed an absence of effective information-sharing practices among agencies, which operate largely independently in intelligence matters.

"With the rising security challenges and threats in the country, there is no better time than now to strengthen inter-agency collaboration through the sharing of vital intelligence and classified information,” Gaidam stated. He also recommended establishing a framework similar to the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) in Nigeria to streamline this process.

 

The workshop follows recent conflicts among security agencies, including a physical altercation between Nigeria Police Force personnel and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officers in Osogbo, Osun State, last week. 

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Deputy Inspector-General Dasuki Galadanchi, echoed Gaidam’s call for greater cooperation, stating that coordinated intelligence-sharing would help swiftly identify criminal trends and syndicates.