Commissioners of Police, State Directors of Department of State Security Services, and Commandants of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps of FCT, Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau States have met in Abuja, to develop strategies to tackle cross-border security challenges
The Permanent Secretary, FCT Administration, Mr Olusade Adesola, said at the opening of the meeting on Wednesday, that the G-7 provides opportunity for intelligence gathering, sharing and joint-border operations.
Adesola, who was represented by the acting Secretary, Agric and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, Ishaq Sadeeq, said the meeting seeks to tackle security challenges facing the seven states.
He said the security chiefs convened the G-7 States Technical Committee Meeting, to stem the upsurge in crimes traversing the FCT and member states.
He said the meeting reviewed operational strategies that would guarantee optimal success, adding that the states would periodically hold joint meetings to appraise the prevailing security challenges and articulate an agenda of action for implementation.
“Security, as we are all aware, is a fundamental pillar upon which any thriving society is built and an essential component that ensures the safety, well-being, and prosperity of our residents.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Mr Haruna Garba, recalled that the G-7 was initiated in 2007 by the then Minister of the FCT, Dr Modibbo Umar] to deal with crime and criminality plaguing the FCT and its neighbouring states.
“The idea was for the states to pull their resources both man and materials, together to fight the criminals simultaneously.
“As we gather here, it is imperative that we acknowledge the gravity of the task at hand. Our dear states stand at a critical juncture, where security concerns have become increasingly complex, and technology driven.
“This requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders.
“The G-7 operations represent a united front, bringing together our collective expertise and experience to tackle 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 result.
This, he said, would not only mitigate existing threats to the collective survival of the FCT and the contiguous state, but also prevent future ones.
