Aleke Aleke in Abuja
The federal government and the European Union (EU) have expressed a strong commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties to combat transnational organised crimes. The Nigerian authorities also sought the continued support and cooperation of the EU on their ongoing police reform efforts.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, made this appeal while hosting the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Gautier Mignot, who led a delegation of EU officials to the Ministry on a courtesy visit. Gaidam also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to enhance the effectiveness, accountability, and community engagement of the Nigerian Police Force.
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He noted that the EU’s expertise, resources, and experience in police reform and governance would be instrumental in implementing these reforms. The Minister also acknowledged the EU’s support for regional security initiatives, such as the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS), which has improved coordination and combated transnational organised crime.
Senator Gaidam stressed the importance of securing continuous EU funding for the full implementation and sustainability of the WAPIS system. He also expressed his commitment to exploring other EU-funded security initiatives and deepening collaboration in areas such as intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations, and cybersecurity measures.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Anuma Nila, emphasised the need for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) to address contemporary security challenges. Nila acknowledged the EU’s valuable support in Nigeria’s security sector reforms, capacity building for law enforcement agencies, and efforts to combat transnational crimes, terrorism, and human trafficking.
Nila noted that the Ministry is committed to ensuring a modern, professional, and people-centred police force. He said that the partnership between Nigeria and the EU aims to enhance policing standards, improve trust between security agencies and citizens, and promote safer communities across Nigeria.
He said that particular attention will be focused on critical areas such as police training, community policing, digital forensics, and human rights-based law enforcement.
Earlier, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Gautier Mignot, said the EU’s cooperation with the ministry is based on shared values and interests, respect for the rule of law, human rights, and democracy, noting that the police are the core of the expression of these values.
He pledged to work with Nigeria and ECOWAS to dismantle powerful criminal networks and protect the victims.
