The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has called on security agencies to adopt modern and technology-driven strategies to tackle growing security threats in the FCT and surrounding states.
Wike made this call at the 10th G-7 Security Summit held on Wednesday, August 28, 2025, in Abuja. The summit, which was convened by the FCT Administration, brought together top security officials and representatives from states that share borders with the FCT.
The G-7 Security platform was created to improve cooperation among states around Abuja in order to combat crimes like kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, car theft, and human trafficking that often cut across state lines.
Speaking through the FCT Head of Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, Wike warned that criminals are now using technology to plan and carry out attacks. This, he said, makes it necessary for security agencies to respond with smarter and more advanced strategies.
“It is important that our security agencies have access to modern techniques and strategies,” he said. “A joint operation strategy is key to effectively curtailing the activities of criminal elements at all levels.”
He stressed that the G-7 must act fast and smart in order to protect the FCT and neighbouring states. “I charge the members of the G-7 Technical Committee to put on their thinking caps and come up with the most adaptable strategies in combating cross-border crimes and criminality,” he added.
Wike also assured that the FCT Administration is committed to supporting security agencies with the tools they need to protect lives and property. He praised the dedication and sacrifice of security operatives and urged them not to relent in the fight against crime.
Earlier at the summit, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, explained the purpose of the G-7 initiative. He said it was created to help security agencies across state borders work together more closely to fight crime.
He noted that many criminal activities in the FCT—such as kidnapping, banditry, car theft, and human trafficking—are carried out by gangs that move between states. According to him, this makes it difficult for one state alone to handle the problem.
“The challenge of cross-border crime can only be addressed through strong partnerships, intelligence sharing, and joint operations,” he said.
Adewale expressed hope that the summit would produce useful and practical recommendations that would make the G-7 platform stronger and more effective. He called for more cooperation and support among member states.
The G-7 Security Forum is a regional initiative involving the FCT and six neighbouring states: Nasarawa, Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau. It was established to encourage collaboration among these states in tackling crimes that affect the region as a whole.
Through regular meetings, joint patrols, and shared intelligence, the G-7 aims to create a united front against criminal activities that threaten peace and development in Nigeria’s capital and surrounding areas.
Over the years, the platform has helped improve cooperation between security agencies and led to several successful joint operations. However, as criminals continue to change their methods, security experts say the G-7 must also upgrade its strategy.
As the summit ended, stakeholders agreed on the need for more training, better equipment, and increased use of modern surveillance tools like drones and data analysis to stay ahead of criminals.
