Nigeria and the EU Enhance Collaboration to Address Transnational Crime and Promote Police Reform

Nigeria and the EU have enhanced their collaboration on security matters, concentrating on transnational crime, intelligence sharing, and police reform.

The federal government and the European Union (EU) have demonstrated a dedication to enhancing diplomatic relations in the fight against transnational organized crime.

On Wednesday, Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, welcomed the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, along with a delegation of EU officials, during a courtesy visit to the ministry.

The Nigerian authorities have reached out to the EU for support and cooperation regarding their ongoing police reform initiative.

In a related statement, the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) indicated that the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by terrorists and various criminal groups represents a considerable challenge to counter-terrorism efforts in all operational areas.

On Wednesday, the Senate instructed security agencies to promptly restore peace in the Gyaruwa community of Gwer-West Local Government Area in Benue State, in response to a violent youth protest triggered by ongoing attacks from bandits in the region.

In Abuja, operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command eliminated a notorious bandit kingpin, Salisu Mohammed, also known as “Dogo Saleh”, during a meticulously planned, intelligence-driven counter-kidnapping operation.

Gaidam, during his meeting with the EU ambassador, emphasized the initiatives of the police affairs ministry aimed at improving the effectiveness, accountability, and community involvement of the Nigeria Police.

He expressed that the EU’s knowledge, resources, and experience in police reform and governance would play a crucial role in executing the reforms in Nigeria.

The minister recognized the EU’s backing for regional security efforts, including the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS), which has enhanced coordination and contributed to the fight against transnational organized crime.

He emphasized the necessity of ensuring ongoing EU funding for the complete execution and sustainability of the WAPIS system.

Gaidam conveyed his dedication to investigating additional EU-funded security initiatives and enhancing cooperation in fields like intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations, and cybersecurity measures.

Anuma Nila, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, highlighted the importance of enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and the EU to tackle current security challenges.

Nila recognized the EU’s assistance in the reforms of Nigeria’s security sector, the enhancement of law enforcement agencies’ capabilities, and the initiatives aimed at addressing transnational crimes, terrorism, and human trafficking.

Mignot previously stated that the collaboration between the EU and the ministry is founded on common values and interests, as well as a commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and democracy. He asserted that the police played a crucial role in conveying these values.

The ambassador committed to collaborating with Nigeria and ECOWAS to dismantle formidable criminal networks and safeguard lives.

ONSA: Troops Encounter Risks from IEDs

The National Counter Terrorism Centre, Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) stated that the deployment of IEDs by terrorists and other criminal entities presents a considerable challenge to counter-terrorism efforts.

The center indicated that the escalating phenomenon posed one of the most serious threats to frontline personnel.

Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of NCTC-ONSA, disclosed this information during the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices Symposium in Abuja on Wednesday.

Laka stated, “As we may all recognize, the use of Improvised Explosive Devices continues to pose one of the most serious threats to our security personnel in different theatres of operations.”

Their influence reaches beyond the frontline, affecting civilian populations, essential infrastructure like power transmission lines, and the overall stability of the nation.

“The threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is particularly alarming due to the simplicity of their construction with readily accessible materials, rendering them a continuous and evolving challenge.”

“This symposium is essential and relevant, as it offers a venue for experts and stakeholders to discuss innovative strategies to address this threat. We aim to strengthen our national abilities in the prevention, detection, and response to IED incidents.

Previously, the Commissioner of Police (CP) overseeing the anti-bomb squad, CP Patrick Atayero, stated that IEDs have emerged as a preferred weapon for terrorists, insurgents, bank robbers, and other malicious individuals, inflicting severe damage on innocent civilians, security forces, and essential public and private infrastructure.

Atayero stated that the symposium acted as an essential platform and a wakeup call for state actors to exchange professional knowledge, expertise, and best practices in addressing the IED threat.

Senate Directs Security Agencies Regarding Benue

The Senate has instructed security agencies to promptly restore peace in the Gyaruwa community, located in the Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State.

A violent protest by youths erupted following ongoing attacks by bandits in the area.

The red chamber also called on the Benue State government to implement the open grazing prohibition and ranch establishment law to regulate the activities of herders in the state.

The resolution came after a motion was presented by Titus Zam, the senator from Benue North-West, whose residence was set ablaze by the youths amid the protest.

Zam, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Businesses, voiced his concerns regarding the ongoing attacks by bandits posing as herders in the state.

Abba Moro, the Minority Leader who supported the motion, expressed concern over the attacks on elected representatives by residents of the state.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directed the Senate Committees on National Intelligence, Army, Navy, and Defense to conduct a visit to the community.

Akpabio expressed his condolences to the victims of the attacks and called on the state government to implement the prohibition of open grazing and promote ranching.

He stated that the senate would soon convene with the heads of security agencies in the country to address the issue of insecurity.

Police Eliminate Infamous Bandit Leader, Saleh, in FCT

Members of the FCT Police Command successfully eliminated a notorious bandit kingpin, Salisu Mohammed, also known as “Dogo Saleh,” during a meticulously planned operation.

The statement indicated that the elimination of the bandit occurred after a rigorous counter-kidnapping operation designed to dismantle a syndicate accountable for violent crimes along the Kaduna-Lokoja-Enugu highway and within the FCT.

A statement from the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, a Superintendent of Police, indicated that one officer, an Inspector from the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Unit, sustained minor injuries during the encounter and has since been treated and discharged.

Adeh stated that the police recorded no additional casualties during the operation, saying, “On March 4, 2025, at approximately 11:14pm, utilizing intelligence provided by the arrested suspect, operatives initiated a high-risk follow-up operation to dismantle his gang.”

“The suspect guided the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to Kwasau Forest, Kagarko LGA, Kaduna State, where his gang, headed by one Abdu Musa, also known as “Kanabaro”, had set up a significant hideout.”

“Upon arrival, the police team encountered an ambush by armed bandits who were attempting to free the suspect.” The operatives quickly confronted the criminals in an intense gun battle, showcasing exceptional tactical skill and determination. The bandits were ultimately subdued and compelled to retreat into the forest, bearing serious gunshot wounds.

Adeh clarified that the suspect suffered fatal gunshot wounds caused by his own gang during the crossfire and was taken to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The police spokesperson stated, “On March 3, 2025, based on reliable intelligence about the movement of bandits into the FCT, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit directed operatives to secure their access routes.”

“Following careful monitoring, the operatives effectively apprehended Salisu Mohammed at Gidan Abe Forest as he was traveling to Bwari Area Council, FCT.”

“Salisu Mohammed, a 21-year-old Fulani man from Baban Saural village in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has been recognized as a notorious hitman for bandit leaders active in Rijana Forest, Kaduna State.”

She stated that Saleh had instilled fear in communities along major highways, abducting unsuspecting victims and demanding substantial ransoms.