…Adopts 112 as national emergency number
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and improve emergency response across the country by expanding its Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell to more states, and moving to adopt 112 as Nigeria’s single national emergency number.
The anti-kidnapping initiative was unveiled by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), with support from the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, during the inauguration of the second edition of the ‘Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell State Expansion Programme and Stakeholders’ Meeting’ in Abuja.
According to a statement by the Head of Strategic Communication at NCTC-ONSA, Abu Michael, the week-long programme, running from July 6 to July 10, brings together security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and international partners, including the British High Commission, to review operational procedures, assess progress and strengthen Nigeria’s response to kidnapping.
Speaking on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribaɗu, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, described kidnapping as one of Nigeria’s gravest security threats, noting that criminal groups have become more sophisticated by exploiting technology and operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Represented by the Director of Intelligence, Brig. Gen. Peter Gbor, Laka said tackling the evolving threat requires sustained collaboration among security agencies, timely intelligence sharing and coordinated operations. He said the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell has significantly improved intelligence integration, operational coordination, geospatial analysis and information sharing, leading to the disruption of kidnapping networks, successful rescue operations and stronger investigative capacity.
While acknowledging the progress made, Laka stressed that more work was needed to close operational gaps exploited by criminal groups. He urged participants to harmonise operational procedures, strengthen investigation and prosecution processes, and develop practical recommendations to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to prevent kidnapping and protect citizens.
In a related development, the Federal Government also announced plans to work with state governments and emergency response agencies to implement 112 as Nigeria’s unified national emergency telephone number following approval by the National Economic Council (NEC).
The move is expected to streamline emergency communications nationwide, enabling quicker coordination among security and emergency services and improving public access to urgent assistance during security incidents and other emergencies.
