Editor
By Fatima Saka
AS part of its preparations for the 2025 Appropriation and Budget Defense, the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa/NEPAD held interactive sessions with various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Nigeria.
Among the highlights was a meeting with the Nigerian Police Force, where the committee reviewed their performance, addressed critical challenges, and discussed potential areas for improved collaboration.
The committee, chaired by Senator Nasiru Sani Zangon-Daura (Katsina North Senatorial District), met on Wednesday in Abuja and commended the Nigerian Police for their proactive engagement.
The police delegation was led by Commissioner of Police (CP) Olaolu Adegbite, Head of Interpol NCB, Abuja, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Augustine Moses Jagaba, DCP Peacekeeping, FHQ, Abuja.
Speaking on the Investment in Technology and Border Security, CP Olaolu 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 underscored 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 emphasized the rising cybercrime rates and their implications for national security.
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.
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 stated: “These deployments of Nigerian police officers, along with contingents from Ghana, marked the beginning of police participation in UN global peace support operations. Nigeria was the first country to deploy police officers to UN peacekeeping operations.”
He also highlighted 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 its commitment to peacekeeping efforts through similar deployments.”
In commendations and calls for collaboration, the Chairman Senator Nasiru Sani Zangon-Daura praised the police team for their detailed briefing and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Police in achieving their goals.
“We make appropriations to strengthen and enable you to achieve better outcomes,” he stated.
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Senator Ned Nwoko also commended the team’s expertise and dedication, acknowledging their constraints.
“You know exactly what needs to be done. While you might not have the necessary financial support now, I assure you that this committee will do everything possible to equip you to tackle terrorism and other security challenges across Africa,” he said.
Senator Diket Plang emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration between the committee and the Nigerian Police to ensure informed decision-making.
“Sometimes, lack of knowledge can hinder progress. Closer interaction will enable us to better understand and support your efforts. We must also explore ECOWAS and EU interventions in security and protection to enhance our experience and strategies,” he noted.
In moving forward, the Senate Committee pledged to prioritize funding and support for the Nigerian Police Force to enhance their capacity in combating security challenges. Both parties recognized the need for deeper collaboration to secure Nigeria and contribute to broader regional stability in Africa.
