The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has urged security agencies across the G-7 states to intensify joint operations and intelligence sharing to curb cross-border crimes threatening Abuja and its neighboring states.

Wike, represented by the FCT Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, gave the charge at the opening of the G-7 States Technical Committee Meeting held Thursday at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi. He noted that the complexity of emerging threats ranging from kidnappings and banditry to human and drug trafficking requires synergy, collaboration, and innovative strategies. “The nature of threats has become increasingly dynamic, and criminal elements are exploiting technology and porous boundaries. Only through coordinated operations can we overcome them,” Wike said.

The G-7 Security Forum, established in 2007, brings together security chiefs from the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Benue, and Plateau states to share intelligence, review security trends, and adopt joint strategies. The latest meeting was convened following reports of resurging criminal activities across the fringes of the FCT. Wike commended security operatives for their sacrifices and reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to providing resources and platforms to strengthen regional security cooperation.

Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, AIG Usaini Gumel said the G-7 collaboration has proven its relevance over the years. “Alone, each state may not achieve the desired results, but when seven states come together to fight a common enemy crime and criminality the outcome is always greater,” he said, urging members to develop lasting strategies that align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

FCT Commissioner of Police and Chairman of the G-7 Technical Committee, CP Ajao Adewale, also called for deeper inter-agency collaboration and sustained intelligence sharing. Citing recent successes, he revealed how the arrest of a Nasarawa-based kidnap syndicate led to the capture of its leader, Muhammad Tahir, who had coordinated operations across Nasarawa and Plateau states. Over ₦7.4 million ransom recovered from the group, he said, underscored the need for cross-border cooperation. “This case shows that cross-border crimes cannot be fought in isolation but through intelligence-driven collaboration,” Adewale stressed.

The Commander, Defence Headquarters Garrison, Major General Alechenu Alechenu, described the G-7 initiative as a critical framework for tackling sophisticated criminal networks.

He pledged the military’s continued support to civil authorities in protecting the FCT and its neighboring states, warning that no single agency can win the war against insecurity alone.

Also, Brigadier General Bisi Onasanya underscored the critical link between security and economic growth, stressing that nations cannot thrive when the safety of lives and property is compromised. He noted that the convergence of the G7 Commissioners of Police, heads of military formations, and senior security officials was not only timely but also strategic in reinforcing collaboration towards safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its contiguous states.

He recalled the security challenges of the early 2000s, warning against complacency in the face of current gains. “It will be very dangerous for us to rest on our oars because it is not yet Uhuru. This gathering must translate into actionable strategies that guarantee that every man and woman in the FCT and neighboring states can go to bed with their two eyes closed,” he said. Onasanya urged participants to make meaningful contributions, assuring that their deliberations would go a long way in shaping sustainable solutions for the security architecture of the nation’s capital.

The meeting also spotlighted the impact of insecurity on education. The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, warned that abductions of teachers in rural communities were worsening the out-of-school children crisis despite government’s renovation of 73 public schools.

Similarly, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, stressed that insecurity in vulnerable communities was discouraging teachers from serving and pushing more children out of classrooms. “We cannot continue this way because the negative impact of out-of-school children is too dangerous to ignore,” she said.

FCTA Director of Security Services and Secretary of the G-7 Technical Committee, Mr. Adamu Gwary, reaffirmed that while states may record individual successes, greater results are achieved collectively. “This program comes at the right time, especially considering the current security challenges. Alone, each state may not achieve the desired results, but together, the outcome is always greater,” he said.

The G-7 Committee is expected to map out vulnerable areas, develop operational strategies, and recommend decisive measures to strengthen security in the region.