The Presidency has bemoaned the non-sharing of classified information and intelligence among law enforcement agencies in the country. This is even as Federal Government maintained that such development could hinder efforts to reduce crime.
It, therefore, cautioned all the security agencies against the adopting this approach. The FG warned that the country could not afford to continue employing such a strategy with the present insecurity affecting many parts of the country.
This was contained in statement by the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, during a 3-day workshop in Abuja on Tuesday.
The workshop is aimed at fostering inter-agency collaboration on information sharing among law enforcement agencies.
IVNTVNEWS reports that there have been clashes among different security agencies across the country. With the recent physical combat between police men and operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osogbo, Osun State capital, last week.
Speaking at the workshop, Gaidam directed the agencies, which had all their representatives in attendance, to abandon the independent approach. He urged them to prioritize sharing of classified information and intelligence to effectively combat insecurity.
He said, “On assumption of Office in August, 2023, I observed that there was no adequate collaboration among the law enforcement agencies. As they all operate independently in the area of information sharing.
“There is an urgent need for all the law enforcement agencies to synergize on the future of our security architecture. And with all the required speed and political will.
“With the rising security challenges and threats in the country, there is no better time than now to build on strengthening inter-agency collaboration. Through the sharing of vital intelligence and classified information to curb the menace.”
The Minister, therefore, called for a system like that of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) in Nigeria.
Gaidam explained that WAPIS is a technological tool that embodies our commitment to regional integration and cooperation. He noted that it enables police forces across West Africa to share intelligence and collaborate seamlessly.
“I strongly believe that if a similar system like WAPIS is deployed among the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, it will go a long way in curbing internal security challenges,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, called for more collaboration among the law enforcement agencies.
Egbetokun, who was represented by a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Dasuki Galadanchi, noted the importance of information sharing. He said information sharing among law enforcement agencies would help to quickly identify threat patterns and the criminal syndicate.
“The importance of information sharing among security agencies cannot be overemphasized. As it is a very crucial aspect of our collective efforts to combat crime and ensure public safety.
“Effective information sharing is the lifeblood of our efforts to prevent, investigate, and prosecute crimes. It enables us to identify patterns, and anticipate potential threats,” he said.
The IGP also noted that law enforcement agencies must trust one another to have improved information sharing.
“To improve our information-sharing capabilities, we must recognize that information sharing is a two-way street. We must be willing to share our own information. And also be open to receiving and acting on information from others.
“Secondly, we must establish strong partnerships and trust among our agencies, based on mutual respect and a common purpose.”
source: Daily Trust
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