The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on security agencies across the G-7 states to intensify joint operations and intelligence sharing to combat cross-border crimes threatening Abuja and its neighbouring states.

Wike, represented by the FCT Head of Service, Mrs Grace Adayilo, made the call at the opening of the G-7 States Technical Committee Meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the complexity of emerging security threats, including kidnappings, banditry, and human and drug trafficking, required collaboration, innovation, and synergy among the states.

“The nature of threats is increasingly dynamic, and criminal elements are exploiting technology and porous boundaries.

“Only coordinated operations can defeat them.

“The G-7 Security Forum, established in 2007, comprises security chiefs from the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Benue, and Plateau states.

“The forum is tasked with intelligence sharing, reviewing security trends, and adopting joint strategies.

“Wike noted that the meeting was convened in response to a resurgence of criminal activity along FCT’s borders,” he said.

He commended security agencies for their sacrifices and reaffirmed the FCT administration’s support for regional security collaboration.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Usaini Gumel, hailed the G-7 collaboration, saying individual efforts were not enough.

“When seven states fight a common enemy together, the outcome is far greater,” he said.

He urged the committee to align its strategies with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.