Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
Nigeria is stepping up efforts to combat kidnapping by expanding intelligence-sharing and operational coordination across security agencies, warning that the crime has become a major source of funding for terrorist and organised criminal groups.
The National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser, with support from the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency NCA , has launched the second phase of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell State Expansion Programme in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, said kidnappers are becoming more sophisticated, exploiting technology and operating across state boundaries, making stronger collaboration among security agencies more critical than ever.
Represented by the Director of Intelligence, Brigadier General Peter Gbor, Laka said the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell has already strengthened intelligence gathering, operational coordination, geospatial analysis and information sharing, leading to the disruption of kidnapping networks, successful rescue operations and improved investigations.
He urged participants drawn from security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, relevant government ministries and international partners to use the week-long programme to address operational gaps, improve investigations and prosecutions, and develop practical strategies to better protect Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency’s International Liaison Officer, Matt Mountain, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against serious and organised crime.
Mountain said effective responses to kidnapping begin at the state level, where intelligence is first gathered and families of victims are engaged.
He noted that stronger links between state security commands and the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell would improve intelligence sharing, speed up rescue operations and increase the chances of bringing kidnappers to justice.
Earlier, Director of Intelligence, Brigadier General Peter Gbor, described kidnapping as not only a growing public safety challenge but also a key source of financing for terrorist and criminal groups.
He explained that the Fusion Cell, established in December 2024, has become a central platform for integrating intelligence and coordinating security operations.
According to him, the current expansion programme will deepen collaboration between state operational commanders and the Fusion Cell, while participants receive specialised kidnap management training based on the United Nations Kidnap Manual and review operational procedures to improve nationwide response.
The five-day stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja brings together security agencies, government institutions and international partners to strengthen Nigeria’s intelligence-led, multi-agency approach to tackling kidnapping and organised crime.