The Technical Committee of the G-7 states, consisting of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its six neighboring states, recently convened in Abuja to develop strategies for addressing cross-border security challenges. The committee comprises security chiefs from the FCT, Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states, including Commissioners of Police, State Directors of the State Security Services, and Commandants of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.
During the opening of the meeting, Olusade Adesola, the Permanent Secretary of FCT Administration, highlighted that the G-7 platform facilitates intelligence gathering, sharing, and joint-border operations. The primary goal of the committee is to address the security challenges faced by the seven-member states. The meeting aimed to review operational strategies that would ensure optimal success in tackling these challenges.
Adesola emphasized that the G-7 states would hold periodic joint meetings to assess the current security challenges and develop an action plan for implementation. Recognizing the crucial role of security in building a thriving society, the FCT Administration has consistently prioritized enhancing security measures within the territory and beyond. Recently, the administration provided operational vehicles and security equipment to the security agencies in the territory to effectively combat crime.
Adesola urged the committee members to devise adaptable strategies to combat cross-border crimes and employ them to ensure the safety and security of the FCT and neighboring states. Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Haruna Garba, who chairs the committee, explained that the G-7 initiative was established in 2007 by the former Minister of the FCT, Modibbo Umar, to address crime and criminality affecting the FCT and its contiguous states. He emphasized the need for collective efforts, coordination, and the exchange of intelligence to overcome prevailing security challenges.
Adebowale Williams, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 7, stressed the importance of community partnership in addressing security challenges specific to the G-7 member states. Adamu Gwary, the Director of the FCT Security Services Department, expressed that the G-7 initiative would strengthen collective efforts in combating security challenges, particularly cross-border crimes. The G-7 platform provides an opportunity to reinforce cooperation and devise innovative strategies to defeat crime and criminality, ensuring the collective survival and future security of the FCT and the contiguous states.