L–R President, National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), Mayor Oki O. Samson, AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; Representative of the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr. Bolaji Oladimeji Kazeem (Head, Information & Public Relations Unit); and Representative of the Chief of Defence Staff / Commandant, Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Maman, during the NAOSNP National Security Conference & Awards 2025, themed “Securing and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Economic Resources: A Call to Serve” held at the Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos
By peace Udugba
The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning the Nigeria Police Force through data-driven strategies, inter-agency collaboration, and international partnerships aimed at building a safer and more secure Nigeria.
He made this known during the 2025 National Security Conference/Awards hosted by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), held at the Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The theme of the event was “Securing and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Economic Resources: A Call to Serve.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Director (Information and Public Relations Unit), Mr. Bolaji Oladimeji Kazeem, highlighted that the Ministry has begun implementing key initiatives. These include the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre (NCDFC), Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database, Community Policing framework, transparent recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers, and adoption of modern technologies to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen national security.
The Minister noted that a major milestone in intelligence-led policing is the establishment of the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre (NCDFC) which provides a centralized platform for law enforcement agencies to pool, analyze, and disseminate criminal data—enhancing internal operations and facilitating collaboration with international partners.
According to him, the upgraded Nigeria Police Crime and Incident Database Centre (NPCIDB) has enabled the police to document criminal records using biometric data collected from divisional police stations nationwide, which is then digitally transmitted to the NPCIDB located at the NCDFC.
He further highlighted the strong inter-agency collaboration in tackling illegal mining, particularly through the partnership between the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, and the *Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals.
Security is the foundation upon which all human endeavours are built” the Minister stated. “It requires inclusiveness, people-centric approaches, and collective efforts to ensure peace, safety, and prosperity. These institutional allies play a vital role in combating illegal mining and restoring order in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, as well as curbing the activities of bandits, criminals, kidnappers, and terrorists.”
Senator Gaidam called on citizens, stakeholders, and the media to support the Nigeria Police Force. “We need collective investment in technology, logistics, welfare, and equipment to enhance security. I propose the procurement of high-resolution drone surveillance systems for police commands across the country,” he emphasized.
Earlier, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa represented by the Commandant of the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Maman, emphasized that security is the foundation of economic prosperity. “When people feel safe, businesses grow, farmers plant with confidence, and investors take bold steps,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria recently increased its crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day, but ongoing challenges such as pipeline vandalism and illegal activities continue to threaten this progress. “We must therefore protect what we have built so that our natural wealth becomes prosperity for every Nigerian, not just a few,” he said.
According to him, non-kinetic strategies—which include good governance, infrastructure, power, communication, and social development—account for nearly 70 percent of national security efforts and must be prioritized alongside military interventions.
The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam was honoured with the Award of Excellence as NAOSNP Iconic Man of the Year by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP)
