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• April 7, 2025
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Police reforms: Minister Gaidam seeks EU support

The Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, has sought the partnership and support of the European Union to actualise police reforms in Nigeria. He also reiterated the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts to create a more responsive and professional police service in the country. He made this statement during a courtesy visit by the European
Police reforms: Minister Gaidam seeks EU support

The Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, has sought the partnership and support of the European Union to actualise police reforms in Nigeria. He also reiterated the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts to create a more responsive and professional police service in the country.

He made this statement during a courtesy visit by the European Union Embassy delegation, led by Ambassador Gautier Mignot, to the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, 7 April 2025.

The minister noted that the expertise, resources, and experience in police reform and governance possessed by the European Union could greatly contribute to the Nigerian government’s efforts in this regard.

In his words, “I would like to brief you on the ongoing Nigerian Police reform exercise, which is being overseen by the Ministry of Police Affairs. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness, accountability, and community engagement of the Nigerian Police Force.”

Gaidam highlighted that key areas of focus include improved training, better resource allocation, and the establishment of more robust oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and public trust.

He recalled that the European Union has been at the forefront of supporting regional security initiatives, including the West Africa Police Information System, WAPIS. This initiative, supported by INTERPOL, has significantly enhanced the ability of law enforcement agencies across West Africa to share critical police information electronically.

According to him, “By improving coordination, WAPIS has played a vital role in combating transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism threats that continue to challenge our national security.”

The minister further stated that the European Union and ECOWAS have remained committed to ensuring the full rollout of WAPIS across all ECOWAS countries and Mauritania, with funding made available for the initiative from November 2017 and extended until May 2025.

He expressed concern about the prevailing security challenges in Nigeria and the broader West African region, adding that it is imperative they work towards securing continuous EU funding for the full implementation and sustainability of the WAPIS system.

“Additional technical assistance and capacity-building support will further enhance Nigeria’s law enforcement capabilities and ensure that we maximise the impact of this crucial initiative,” Gaidam noted.

Earlier, the European Union ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, reiterated that the Ministry of Police Affairs is one of the ministries the EU engages with as a primary partner. He emphasised that the cooperation is based on shared values and interests, such as respect for the rule of law, human rights, and democracy, noting that the police are central to the expression of these values.

He also stated that stability and security in Nigeria and ECOWAS are of significant interest to the European Union, particularly at a time when the world is evolving rapidly in relation to regional security issues, the need to reform and strengthen the criminal justice system, tackle gender-based violence, and combat human trafficking.

“Migration issues, criminal networks, and the need to dismantle them are critical. It is essential that we work hand in hand to fight these networks, protect the victims, and address the global challenges we face,” he said.

Police reforms: Minister Gaidam seeks EU support

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Afenifere reiterates call for restructuring, state police

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has reemphasised that restructuring is the most potent instrument to tackle the socio-political and economic challenges that have long bedevilled the country. The foremost Yoruba group, which also expressed concern about the resurgence of kidnapping and banditry, particularly in Yorubaland, has called for immediate action, stressing that the issue of
Afenifere reiterates call for restructuring, state police

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has reemphasised that restructuring is the most potent instrument to tackle the socio-political and economic challenges that have long bedevilled the country.

The foremost Yoruba group, which also expressed concern about the resurgence of kidnapping and banditry, particularly in Yorubaland, has called for immediate action, stressing that the issue of state police must be prioritised.

Afenifere made this declaration at the conclusion of its caucus meeting held at the residence of its national leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

According to the group, in a communiqué signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, governors should make every effort to cooperate with the federal government so that the allocations to local governments can be implemented without delay.

“Given the prime position that security occupies in the life of any society, Afenifere once again called on the Federal Government and security agencies to redesign the security architecture in such a way that those responsible for security can thoroughly investigate its causes and address them decisively.

“In this regard, we are calling on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to, in collaboration with state governors, urgently devise strategies to confront these challenges and bring them under control.

“While these efforts are ongoing, state governors, particularly in Yorubaland, should further strengthen the security network in the region due to the increasing threat of terrorism. For example, the personnel of Amotekun should be increased, properly trained, motivated, and well-equipped. Furthermore, modern technologies such as drones and other advanced tools to combat insecurity should be deployed,” the communique read partly.

Afenifere reiterates call for restructuring, state police