In order to improve the ability to respond to threats in a proactive and preventative manner, the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has reaffirmed the necessity of establishing a smooth and safe system for exchanging intelligence in real time.
He made this statement at the Army War College Nigeria Course 9/2025 Interagency Security Seminar, which was held at the TYB Auditorium, ACWN, Wu Bassey Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja, with the theme Multiplicity of Operations in Nigeria’s Contemporary Security Landscape: Optimising Multi-Agency Efforts for Effective Treat Response.
The Minister, who was the Special Guest of Honour, pointed out that to optimize multi-agency efforts for effective threat response, they must tackle critical gaps in our security architecture.
In his words, “Institutionalizing cross-agency training exercises and scenario-based drills will improve operational interoperability and foster mutual trust. By leveraging modern technologies—such as advanced surveillance systems, artificial intelligence, and digital forensics—we can enhance our operational effectiveness”.
He said the security environment in Nigeria has undergone a profound transformation. We face a complex web of threats, from insurgency and terrorism in the North-East to banditry and farmer-herder conflicts in the North-West and North-Central regions. Additionally, we grapple with separatist movements in the South-East and organized crime in the South-South and South-West.
Gaidam opined that this multiplicity of threats necessitates a comprehensive approach that engages the entire government and society. “these challenges are compounded by economic disparities, governance deficits, and the increasing sophistication of criminal enterprises that exploit technology, porous borders, and ungoverned spaces”. He stressed.
According to him, “The traditional view of security—limited to military or law enforcement responses—is no longer adequate. We must embrace an integrated approach that brings together all stakeholders, including military forces, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services and civil society.
The Minister expressed that the multi-agency collaboration is not merely an option; it is a necessity. Effective security management today requires a robust interagency coordination framework.
The complexity of contemporary threats demands that the Nigeria Police Force strengthen operational synergies with other agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), and Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).
Gaidam stressed the role of the civilian population as a vital asset in security management. Strengthening police-community relations and fostering public trust through community policing initiatives will significantly improve our intelligence-gathering capabilities and preventive security measures.
Earlier, the Guest lecturer, Major General Babagana Mohammed Monguno (Rtd) stated that globally military operations play a significant role in restoring peace and stability, noting that nations implement security strategies to minimize the security threats to their economic and diplomatic relations.
In his words, “With the Nigerian military operations currently being conducted across all geopolitical zones despite the success recorded by the ongoing operations, security threats continue to persist across the country, disrupting daily livelihood and instilling fear among the citizens and there is the need for comprehensive approach to mitigate contemporary security threats across Nigeria.”
