Nigeria is expanding its intelligence-led counter-kidnapping architecture as the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), advances a nationwide strategy to integrate security agencies, strengthen operational coordination and disrupt organised kidnapping networks.
Desk: Defence & Strategy
Date: Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Time: 14:30 WAT
Location: Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State
The Centre, with support from the United Kingdom National Crime Agency (UK-NCA), inaugurated the Second Edition of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) State Expansion Programme and Stakeholders' Meeting in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Head of Strategic Communication, Abu Michael, for the National Coordinator of NCTC-ONSA, the five-day programme, running from 6 to 10 July 2026, brings together security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, alongside international partners, to enhance Nigeria's response to kidnapping.
Representing the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Coordinator of NCTC, Major General Adamu Garba Laka, described kidnapping as one of Nigeria's most complex security threats, noting that criminal networks are increasingly exploiting technology, intelligence gaps and cross-jurisdictional operations to sustain their activities.
He explained that the establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell has significantly improved intelligence integration, geospatial analysis, operational coordination and information sharing among security agencies, contributing to successful rescue operations, stronger investigations and the disruption of organised kidnapping syndicates.
Major General Laka stressed that sustained collaboration remains essential to closing operational gaps exploited by criminal groups, urging participating agencies to use the stakeholders' meeting to harmonise operational procedures, strengthen investigative and prosecution processes, and develop practical recommendations capable of improving Nigeria's national anti-kidnapping framework.
The programme also seeks to deepen coordination between state operational commanders and the Fusion Cell, ensuring intelligence generated at the grassroots is rapidly integrated into national security operations.z
Speaking during the programme, the United Kingdom National Crime Agency's International Liaison Officer, Mr Matt Mountain, reaffirmed Britain's commitment to supporting Nigerian-led efforts against organised crime through professional cooperation, technical assistance and capacity building.
He noted that effective responses to kidnapping begin at the state level, where operational decisions, intelligence gathering and engagement with victims' families first occur, adding that stronger links between state commands and the Fusion Cell would accelerate intelligence sharing, improve operational coordination and increase successful rescue outcomes.
Earlier, Director of Intelligence, Brigadier General Peter Gbor, highlighted that kidnapping has evolved into a major source of financing for terrorist and organised criminal groups, making intelligence integration increasingly critical to national security.
He noted that the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, operationalised by the National Security Adviser on 19 December 2024, has become a central platform for coordinating intelligence and supporting security agencies with advanced technical capabilities.
According to him, participants in the second phase of the State Expansion Programme will undergo intensive Kidnap Management Training based on the United Nations Kidnap Manual while reviewing the Fusion Cell's Standard Operating Procedures and Terms of Reference to further strengthen operational effectiveness nationwide.
🏷️ Tags: Defence & Security, NCTC, ONSA, Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, Kidnapping, National Security, UK National Crime Agency, Intelligence Sharing
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