By Stanley Onyekwere
The FCT Administration has charged security heads of operation Group 7 (G7), to intensify synergy and strategies in combating the prevailing widening challenges of cross-border crimes bedevilling the FCT and its contiguous States.
The FCTA noted that the call became necessary, given the surge of criminal elements transversing the nation’s capital and other member states in recent times, hence the need to ensure the safety and security of the seat of government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the States contiguous to the FCT.
The Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, gave the charge yesterday, at the 9th Technical Committee meeting of the G-7 States in Abuja.
Peoplesdaily recalls that the G-7 Security Summit was initiated by the FCT Administration in 2007 for the purpose of intelligence gathering, sharing and joint-border operations between the FCT and neighbouring states of Benue, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau, with the view to tackling security challenges bedeviling member states.
Adesola, who was represented by the Director of Finance and Admin at the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), Malam Ishaq Abubakar Sadeeq, noted that the FCTA at its security meeting held in May reconvened the G-7 States Technical Committee Meeting, with a view to reviewing operational strategies that will guarantee optimal success of the fight against insecurity.
He also urged State Chief Executives to prioritize issues of security of lives and properties of residents within their respective domains as well as providing materials and other logistic support to security agencies, to enhance their field operations.
According to him: “Security, as we are all aware, is a fundamental pillar upon which any thriving society is built. It is an essential component that ensures the safety, well-being, and prosperity of our residents. In recognition of this fact, the FCT Administration has consistently prioritized the platform for the enhancement of security measures within our territory and beyond.
“This meeting, therefore, marks yet another significant effort and commitment in our drive to ensuring a more holistic approach in redesigning our security architecture for effective delivery. In a rapidly evolving world, the nature of threats and challenges has become increasingly complex and dynamic.
“Criminal elements are continuously adapting and exploiting technological advancements to further their illicit activities, thus requiring such a dynamic approach like synergy and joint operations among other strategies to overcome the nefarious activities of these criminally minded individuals.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the FCT Commissioner of Police (CP), Garba Haruna, noted that security concerns across the country have become increasingly complex and technologically based, therefore requiring coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
Haruna, who chairs the committee, also pointed that operation G7 represents a united front,bringing together collective expertise and experience to tackle the prevailing security.
He said: “As we convene in this hall today, let us not forget the weight of responsibilities that has been put on our shoulders. The security of our citizens and the preservation of law and order are not mere aspirations, they are the pillars upon which every thriving community is built. We cannot afford to falter in our mission to our people, nor can we rest until our communities are safe and secured.
“Let me at this stage stress that using the G7 platform, we may have gotten a unique opportunity to reinforce our collective efforts and chart a way forward that will not only mitigate existing threats to our collective survival but also prevent future ones. Our collaboration, coordination, and seamless exchange of intelligence will undoubtedly serve as the bedrock of our success. Let us leverage on this platform to foster understanding, strengthen partnerships, and devise innovative strategies that will defeat crime and criminality.
“In view of the prevailing criminal activities in the FCT and its adjourning States, it is imperative that heads of security agencies meet regularly to collectively review the current security situation with a view to proffering appropriate operational plans and arrangements to address the menace.”
In a goodwill message, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG), in charge of Zone 7, Adebowale Williams, stressed need for improved synergy in intelligence gathering among member states, in order to reduce response time to crime and to stop criminals on their track.
