FG expands Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell to states, reviews security strategy

The Federal Government has reviewed its anti-kidnapping strategy and commenced the second phase of the expansion of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell to states.

The move is part of efforts to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve operational coordination against kidnapping across the country.

In a statement by the Head of Strategic Communication of NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, he said the initiative was unveiled by the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, with the support of the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, 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 the statement, the meeting reviewed operational procedures and strengthened Nigeria’s response to kidnapping.

Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, said kidnapping remained one of Nigeria’s most serious security challenges, requiring stronger collaboration among security agencies.

He warned that criminal groups had continued to evolve their tactics by exploiting technology and operating across multiple jurisdictions.

“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,” the statement said.

The NCTC coordinator said the establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell had significantly enhanced intelligence integration, operational coordination, geospatial analysis and information sharing among security agencies.

He noted that the platform had contributed to the disruption of kidnapping networks, successful rescue operations and strengthened investigative capabilities.

Laka, however, stressed that more work remained to be done, urging participants to use the stakeholders’ meeting 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.”