The Federal Government has commenced the second phase of the expansion of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell to states following a review of its anti-kidnapping strategy aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing and improving operational coordination across the country.
The initiative was unveiled by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), with support from the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (UK NCA), during the inauguration of the Second Edition of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell State Expansion Programme and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Strategic Communication, NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, the week-long programme, which runs from July 6 to July 10, has brought together representatives of security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as international partners, including the British High Commission.
The programme is designed to assess progress, review operational procedures and strengthen Nigeria’s response to kidnapping through enhanced collaboration among stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, described kidnapping as one of Nigeria’s gravest security threats, saying the evolving nature of the crime requires stronger cooperation among security agencies.
Represented by the Director of Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Peter Gbor, Laka said, “Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security threats, with criminal groups increasingly employing sophisticated tactics, exploiting technology and operating across multiple jurisdictions. Confronting these evolving threats requires sustained inter-agency collaboration, timely intelligence-sharing and coordinated operational responses.”
He noted that the establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell had significantly improved intelligence integration, operational coordination, geospatial analysis and information sharing among security agencies, leading to the disruption of kidnapping networks, successful rescue operations and stronger investigative capabilities.
While acknowledging the progress recorded so far, Laka stressed that greater collaboration was needed to address existing operational gaps.
“While significant progress has been achieved, continuous collaboration remains essential to closing operational gaps exploited by criminal elements,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to “critically assess existing challenges, harmonise operational procedures, strengthen investigation and prosecution processes, and develop practical recommendations that will enhance Nigeria’s capacity to prevent kidnapping and protect its citizens.”
Also speaking, the International Liaison Officer of the UK National Crime Agency, Matt Mountain, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping and organised crime.
Mountain praised Nigerian security agencies for their professionalism, courage and dedication despite increasingly complex security challenges.
He said, “Effective kidnap response begins at the state level, where initial intelligence, operational decisions and engagement with victims’ families often occur.”
According to him, stronger collaboration between state commands and the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell would result in “faster intelligence-sharing, improved operational coordination, enhanced support to victims’ families and greater success in rescuing victims and bringing offenders to justice.”
Mountain also pledged continued UK support for Nigeria’s security efforts.
“The UK remains committed to supporting Nigerian-led initiatives through practical cooperation, professional exchange and capacity building, while respecting Nigeria’s leadership in addressing its security challenges,” he said.
Earlier, the Director of Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Peter Gbor, said kidnapping had evolved beyond a public safety concern into a major source of funding for terrorist and organised criminal groups.
He explained that the Fusion Cell, operationalised on December 19, 2024, by the National Security Adviser, had become a critical platform for integrating intelligence, coordinating security responses and providing advanced technical support to law enforcement agencies.
Gbor said the second phase of the state expansion programme would strengthen communication between state operational commanders and the Fusion Cell.
He added, “The second phase of the State Expansion Programme builds upon the successes recorded during the inaugural rollout by strengthening communication channels between state operational commanders and the Fusion Cell. Participants will undergo intensive Kidnap Management Training based on the United Nations Kidnap Manual, while also reviewing the Cell’s Standard Operating Procedures and Terms of Reference to ensure greater operational effectiveness nationwide.”
Advertisement