Last week, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Police Force joined forces to unveil the Common Investigative Database (CID) in Abuja. This state-of-the-art technology tool marks a significant milestone in enhancing collaboration among key law enforcement agencies to address the critical issues of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
This is supported under the Action Against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Project(A-TIPSOM) which is funded by the European Union and implemented by FIIAPP
In a welcome speech, the Director General of NAPTIP, Prof Waziri-Azi Fatima, who was represented by the Director of ICT, Mr. Hakeem Lawal, said that the CID is designed to serve as a centralized platform where relevant law enforcement agents can seamlessly share intelligence information. This collaborative effort aims to strengthen the collective response to combatting trafficking in persons and curbing the illicit activities associated with the smuggling of migrants.
With the launch of the Common Investigative Database, law enforcement agencies will work hand-in-hand, pooling their resources and expertise to gather, analyze, and share crucial intelligence information. This coordinated approach will not only streamline investigative efforts but will also facilitate a more efficient and targeted response to combat these grave offenses.
The features of the CID include advanced data analytics tools, secure information sharing protocols, and user-friendly interfaces to ensure effective collaboration among the participating agencies. The system is designed to enhance the speed and accuracy of information exchange, enabling law enforcement officers to make informed decisions in real-time.
The team leader of A-TIPSOM, Mr. Federico Millan who was represented by the technical advisor, Mr. Sani Bello, commended the synergy between the three agencies. According to him, “the CID reflects the commitment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Police Force to address the multifaceted challenges posed by trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants. By leveraging technology and fostering inter-agency cooperation, these organizations aim to disrupt criminal networks, rescue victims, and bring perpetrators to justice.”
The launch of the Common Investigative Database demonstrates a proactive step toward a safer and more secure society, underscoring the commitment of these key law enforcement agencies to protect the vulnerable and uphold the rule of law.