Kidnapping & Terrorism: IGP charges FID, intelligence community to step up operations

• Meets Departments, Experts on Financial Intelligence, Commends Operatives for Steadfastness

In response to the escalating threat of kidnapping and terrorism in certain regions of the nation, the Nigeria Police Force is intensifying its endeavours to address these nefarious acts and associated criminal behaviors.

Force Public Relations Officer at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun had charged the Deputy Inspector General of Police overseeing the Force Intelligence Department (FID), alongside the broader intelligence community, to elevate their operational capacities and intelligence gathering techniques.

This directive he said, aimed to effectively confront the scourge of kidnapping prevalent across the country.

Acknowledging that kidnapping, abduction, and related security breaches persist as significant challenges in select areas, threatening the safety and welfare of citizens, the IGP underscored the imperative for the Nigeria Police Force to allocate all requisite resources and employ strategic measures to mitigate these challenges and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.

Consequently, the IGP has instructed the Force Intelligence Department to escalate its intelligence gathering initiatives and foster close collaboration with other law enforcement entities and pertinent stakeholders to acquire actionable intelligence concerning kidnapping syndicates and their evolving modus operandi nationwide.

Furthermore, the broader intelligence community is urged to bolster coordination and information exchange to facilitate targeted operations against kidnappers and their networks, aimed at rescuing captives and dismantling the activities of malefactors intent on undermining national peace and stability.

Moreover, on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the Inspector General of Police convened a strategic meeting at the Force Headquarters in Abuja with delegates from the US Treasury Department and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

The meeting focused on enhancing financial intelligence capabilities to combat corruption, terrorism financing, and money laundering.

In productive deliberations, both parties emphasized the pivotal role of financial intelligence in combating illicit activities and reiterated their commitment to collaborative endeavors aimed at safeguarding national security and fostering integrity within financial systems.

While commending intelligence operatives across the spectrum for their concerted efforts in addressing prevailing security challenges in the country, the Inspector General of Police affirms the unwavering dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to sustain the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.

He underscored the determination of the Force to apprehend perpetrators of these reprehensible acts and ensure justice is served.