L-R: Matthew Ibadi, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, OVATION Boss, Dele Momodu; AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade and President ((NAOSNP) Mr. Oki Samson during the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) National Security Conference/ Awards 2024 With a theme: “Connecting the Dot Between Identity Tracking and National Security” at the Ballroom Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos State, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
"Identity Tracking: A Key Tool to Combat Crime and Enhance National Security – Minister Imaan"
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA October, 2024- The Honourable Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, has emphasized that identity tracking is a critical asset in the fight against crime, allowing authorities to monitor and verify individuals more effectively. Speaking at the 2024 National Security Conference and Awards organized by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) in Lagos, Imaan highlighted how leveraging modern identity tracking systems can reduce the anonymity criminals rely on to evade detection.
Addressing the theme of the conference, “Connecting the Dots Between Identity Tracking and National Security,” Imaan noted that with the rise of cybercrime and organized criminal activities, criminals often use false identities to avoid being caught. By utilizing digital identity systems, security agencies can closely track and verify individuals, significantly limiting the opportunities for criminal activities.
"The Ministry is committed to integrating advanced identity technologies into our policing systems," Imaan said, adding that the newly operational National Data Fusion Center will serve as a central hub for collecting and analyzing identity data from various sources. This center is expected to play a crucial role in helping law enforcement agencies track and neutralize threats more efficiently.
"Our vision is to build a world-class Nigeria Police Force that is technologically advanced, intelligence-led, and community-based. We aim to ensure public safety, uphold the rule of law, and foster trust through transparency and accountability," Imaan stated.
She outlined the Ministry's “Renewed Hope Police Reform Roadmap,” built on six pillars, including the use of cutting-edge technology to elevate police operations. Other key pillars of the reform include enhancing infrastructure, improving welfare, developing policy frameworks, expanding community policing, and rebranding the Nigeria Police Force through strategic communication.
Imaan also highlighted recent efforts to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force’s National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC), which has successfully resolved major cases, including the arrest of suspects involved in a 16-billion-naira financial fraud case.
In addition, she discussed the Nigeria Police Force Green Initiative, which involves installing solar power at 5,000 police locations, deploying electric and gas-powered vehicles, and setting up charging and gas refill stations across the country.
Representing the Inspector General of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, noted the challenges in the identity tracking system, such as data privacy issues, coordination between agencies, and difficulties in integrating various platforms. He acknowledged the critical role of the Nigeria Police in preventing identity fraud and cybersecurity threats by utilizing data from national identification systems like NIN, BVN, and SIM card registration to track suspects.
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