Restructuring of NID will enable security agencies to operate more effectively

Kathmandu, November 13

Minister of Home Affairs Ram Bahadur Thapa today said the government was preparing to transform National Investigation Department into professional intelligence agency for tackling organised crime, money laundering, drug smuggling, human trafficking and cybercrime.

Speaking at concluding event of training session organised for deputy investigation directors and chief investigation officers of NID at National Police Academy, Minister Thapa said restructuring of the intelligence body was aimed at identifying and bringing to book criminal groups operating at home and abroad.

“Leadership training imparted to NID officials will help enhance their performance and carry out assigned responsibilities effectively, ” he said.

Minister Thapa said massive overhaul in NID would enable it to collect reliable intelligence on criminal networks. “It will pave the way for all security agencies to operate in unified and integrated manner for maintaining law and order in the country,” he claimed, adding that capacity development of all security agencies under the Ministry of Home Affairs was prerequisite for effective implementation of the 82-point action plan, issued by the ministry in 2017.

According to Minister Thapa, strengthened security system could play a vital role in realising the government’s goal of ‘Prosperous Nepal: Happy Nepal.’ Inspector General of Police Sarbendra Khanal said effective collection, verification and analysis of information would help the security agency identify threats to national security. “Professional efficiency and skill development of investigation officers will prepare them to work in coordination with all security agencies, which share common motto of upholding the rule of law and building crime-free society. It will also enhance the feeling of collaboration and togetherness among them,” he said.

Ganesh Prasad Adhikari, NID chief also stressed the need to pursue systematic reforms of the intelligence body. Though the NID is mandated to collect information on the country’s public security, financial crime, corruption, domestic and cross-border terrorism, money laundering, narcotics, and human trafficking, it has not been able to work in tandem with its functions, duties and responsibilities.