Niger CP seeks stronger security collaboration ahead of 2027 elections

Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies to address emerging security challenges and ensure peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Elleman made the call on Tuesday while receiving the newly deployed Acting Customs Area Controller for the Niger/Kogi Area Command, DC Solomon Nwankwegu, and the new Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, CC Abdulhamid Salisu Kabara, during separate courtesy visits to the Police Command Headquarters in Minna.

The CP stressed that although the Nigeria Police Force is the lead agency in internal security management, maintaining peace and protecting lives and property require the collective commitment of all security agencies.

He assured both agencies of the Police Command’s continued cooperation in intelligence sharing, joint training, capacity building and coordinated security operations before, during and after the 2027 elections.

During his visit, Nwankwegu said the engagement was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Police, particularly in tackling smuggling, trafficking, border-related crimes and other transnational security threats.

He emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement, noting that collaboration among security agencies was essential to safeguarding national revenue, maintaining economic stability and protecting communities.

The Acting Customs Area Controller also assured the CP of the Customs Service’s readiness to support the Police Command in addressing security challenges as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

In a separate engagement, the newly deployed NSCDC Commandant, Kabara, said his visit was part of efforts to strengthen ties with relevant security agencies following his assumption of duty in the state.

He acknowledged the support received from the Commissioner of Police since his arrival, noting that it had helped him settle into office despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his assumption of duty.

Kabara described the recent incident involving the NSCDC as painful, saying it had highlighted the need for greater professionalism and discipline among personnel.

He disclosed plans to introduce capacity-building programmes for officers and men of the Corps and sought the Police Command’s support in implementing the initiative to improve operational effectiveness and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

Responding, Elleman described the NSCDC as a strategic partner in maintaining internal security and reaffirmed the Police Command’s commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two agencies.

He assured Kabara of the Command’s readiness to support the Corps through intelligence sharing, joint training and other professional engagements, expressing confidence that sustained cooperation would improve operational efficiency and security management in the state.

The CP also urged the new NSCDC Commandant and the Acting Customs Area Controller to regard the Police Command as dependable partners in the collective responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.