(SINL NIGERIA) The Senate committee on Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa/NEPAD has resolved to prioritize funding and support for the Nigeria Police Force to enhance their capacity in combating security challenges in Nigeria.
The chairman of the committee, Senator Nasiru Sani Zangon-Daura (Katsina North Senatorial District) made this known on Wednesday in Abuja.
He spoke during an interactive session with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria to enhance security in Nigeria.
Specifically, the committee met with the Nigeria Police Force, where it reviewed their performance, addressed critical challenges, and discussed potential areas for improved collaboration.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Olaolu Adegbite, Head of Interpol NCB, Abuja, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Augustine Moses Jagaba, DCP Peacekeeping, FHQ, Abuja led the police delegation.
Adegbite highlighted several areas requiring urgent intervention, including the need for increased investment in technology, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and improved border security to address emerging threats within Africa and West Africa.
He also emphasised the growing influence of social media, noting its dual role as a platform for positive engagement by Nigerian youth and a breeding ground for cybercrime. He observed the rising cybercrime rates and their implications for national security.
Commenting on border security challenges, the CP drew attention to specific border security threats, including drug trafficking and tax evasion, particularly in regions bordering Chad and neighboring countries.
Similarly, DCP Augustine Moses Jagaba provided insights into Nigeria’s peacekeeping legacy, tracing its roots back to 1960 when Nigerian police officers were first deployed to the United Nations (UN) operations in Congo (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).
He said: “These deployments of Nigerian police officers, along with contingents from Ghana, marked the beginning ofu police participation in UN global peace support operations. Nigeria was the first country to deploy police officers to UN peacekeeping operations.”
He also explained the 2004 milestone when the Nigerian Police Force became the first in Africa to deploy a Formed Police Unit (FPU) , the mobile police unit, to the UN mission in Liberia. “Over the years, Nigeria has maintained u similar deployments.”
Meanwhile, Senator Zangon-Daura applauded the police team for their detailed briefing and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police in achieving their goals.
“We make appropriations to strengthen and enable you to achieve better outcomes,” he stated.
