The Federal Government has begun the second phase of expanding its Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell to states across the country as part of renewed efforts to improve intelligence sharing and strengthen the fight against kidnapping.
The move comes as the government reviews its anti-kidnapping strategy amid continued attacks by criminal gangs operating across different parts of Nigeria. Officials say the expansion will improve coordination among security agencies, speed up intelligence gathering and enhance rescue operations for kidnap victims.
The initiative was launched by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), with support from the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (NCA), during the inauguration of the Second Edition of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell State Expansion Program and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Strategic Communication at NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, the week-long programme, which runs from July 6 to July 10, is bringing together representatives of security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as international partners, including the British High Commission.
The meeting is aimed at reviewing progress made so far, assessing existing operational procedures and identifying ways to strengthen Nigeria’s response to kidnapping and related crimes.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, described kidnapping as one of the country’s biggest security threats.
He said criminal groups had become more organised and now use modern technology while operating across state boundaries, making it necessary for security agencies to work more closely together.
The speech was delivered by the Director of Intelligence at the NCTC, Brig. Gen. Peter Gbor.
According to Laka, defeating kidnapping requires constant cooperation among security agencies, timely intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
“Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security threats, with criminal groups increasingly employing sophisticated tactics, exploiting technology and operating across multiple jurisdictions,” he said.
“Confronting these evolving threats requires sustained inter-agency collaboration, timely intelligence-sharing and coordinated operational responses.”
He noted that the establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell had already improved intelligence integration, operational coordination, geospatial analysis and information sharing among security agencies.
According to him, the platform has contributed to the disruption of kidnapping networks, successful rescue operations and stronger investigations.
Despite these gains, Laka said security agencies must continue to improve their operations to deny criminal groups any opportunity to exploit weaknesses in the system.
“While significant progress has been achieved, continuous collaboration remains essential to closing operational gaps exploited by criminal elements,” he said.
He urged participants at the stakeholders’ meeting to carefully examine existing challenges and recommend practical solutions that would improve Nigeria’s ability to prevent kidnappings.
He also called for stronger cooperation in investigations and prosecution of suspects to ensure criminals are brought to justice.
Participants at the meeting were encouraged to harmonise operational procedures across agencies and develop strategies that would make security responses faster and more effective.
Kidnapping has become one of Nigeria’s most serious security challenges in recent years, affecting communities in almost every region of the country.
Criminal gangs frequently abduct travellers on highways, students in schools, farmers working on their lands and residents in their homes, demanding huge ransom payments from families.
The Federal Government has responded by increasing military operations, strengthening intelligence gathering and improving cooperation among security agencies.
The creation of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell is one of the latest measures designed to improve coordination among the various organisations involved in tackling kidnapping.
Speaking at the event, the International Liaison Officer of the UK National Crime Agency, Matt Mountain, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in the fight against kidnapping and organised crime.
He praised Nigerian security personnel for their dedication and professionalism despite the difficult security environment.
According to him, effective responses to kidnapping begin at the state level because that is where intelligence is first gathered and operational decisions are initially taken.
“Effective kidnap response begins at the state level, where initial intelligence, operational decisions and engagement with victims’ families often occur,” Mountain said.
He explained that stronger collaboration between state commands and the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell would improve intelligence sharing, operational coordination and communication with families of victims.
He added that such cooperation would increase the chances of rescuing victims safely while ensuring offenders are arrested and prosecuted.
Mountain also pledged continued support from the United Kingdom for Nigerian-led security initiatives.
“The UK remains committed to supporting Nigerian-led initiatives through practical cooperation, professional exchange and capacity building, while respecting Nigeria’s leadership in addressing its security challenges,” he said.
Earlier, Brig. Gen. Gbor described kidnapping as not only a major public safety issue but also an important source of financing for terrorist groups and organised criminal organisations.
He disclosed that the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, which was officially operationalised by the National Security Adviser on December 19, 2024, had become an important platform for integrating intelligence, coordinating security responses and providing advanced technical support to security agencies.
According to him, the second phase of the state expansion programme is designed to build on the achievements recorded during the first rollout by strengthening communication between operational commanders in the states and the Fusion Cell.
He explained that participants would receive intensive Kidnap Management Training based on the United Nations Kidnap Manual.
The program will also review the Fusion Cell’s Standard Operating Procedures and Terms of Reference to improve operational effectiveness across the country.
“The second phase of the State Expansion Program builds upon the successes recorded during the inaugural rollout by strengthening communication channels between state operational commanders and the Fusion Cell,” Gbor said.
He added that the training and review of operational procedures would help security agencies adopt common standards and improve coordination in responding to kidnapping cases nationwide.