The Federal Government has launched the second phase of the expansion of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell to states as part of renewed efforts to improve intelligence sharing and strengthen coordinated responses to kidnapping nationwide.
The initiative, led by the National Counter Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) with support from the United Kingdom National Crime Agency, was unveiled during the opening of the Second Edition of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell State Expansion Programme and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Head of Strategic Communication, NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, the agency said the programme, held from July 6 to July 10, brought together representatives of security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as international partners, including the British High Commission.
The meeting is expected to review operational procedures, assess progress made so far and enhance Nigeria’s strategy for tackling kidnapping across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, described kidnapping as one of Nigeria’s most serious security threats, stressing the need for sustained collaboration among security agencies.
Represented by the Director of Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Peter Gbor, Laka noted that criminal groups have become increasingly sophisticated by exploiting technology and operating across multiple jurisdictions, making intelligence sharing and joint operations more critical.
He said the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell has significantly improved intelligence integration, geospatial analysis, operational coordination and information exchange among security agencies, contributing to the disruption of kidnapping networks, successful rescue operations and stronger investigative capacity.
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Despite the progress, Laka urged stakeholders to use the meeting to identify and address operational gaps, harmonise procedures and strengthen investigation and prosecution processes to enhance the country’s ability to combat kidnapping.
Also speaking, the International Liaison Officer of the UK National Crime Agency, Matt Mountain, reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to tackle kidnapping and organised crime.
He commended Nigerian security agencies for their professionalism and dedication, adding that effective responses to kidnapping begin at the state level, where intelligence gathering, operational decisions and engagement with victims’ families are initiated.
Mountain said closer collaboration between state security commands and the Fusion Cell would improve intelligence sharing, strengthen operational coordination, enhance support for victims’ families and increase the chances of rescuing abductees while bringing perpetrators to justice.
Earlier, Brig. Gen. Gbor said kidnapping had evolved into a major source of funding for terrorist and organised criminal groups, noting that the Fusion Cell, established on December 19, 2024, has become a key platform for coordinating intelligence and providing technical support to security agencies.
He explained that the second phase of the state expansion programme would further strengthen communication between state operational commanders and the Fusion Cell, while participants would undergo specialised kidnap management training based on the United Nations Kidnap Manual and review existing standard operating procedures to improve nationwide operational effectiveness.