Establishing a National Intelligence Agency poses utmost importance for the Maldives in the government’s efforts to curb serious crimes, says MP for west-henveiru constituency, Hassan Latheef.

MP Latheef made this assertion via Twitter on Friday.

As such, the parliamentarian stated that establishing a National Intelligence Agency will be a “top priority” for the country in the fight against “serious crimes” including terrorism, money laundering as well as human trafficking, which has been reported more frequently, of late.

This comes at a time the Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched a major operation to curb extremism and expose extremist groups that pose a threat to national peace and security. Under the operation, officers have made several arrests thus far.

Further, the country’s alert status has been risen to “Yellow two” by the Maldives National Defense Force. This follows a strengthening of security measures across the country, even at the Velana International Airport, as such, armed military personnel clad in uniform will be stationed across different areas.

During this period, military officers will be conducting raids and searches on vessels, reads the statement, which goes on to reveal that officers have urged the public to cooperate fully throughout the operation, in order to ensure that safety and peace are maintained. The Yellow alert came at a time authorities have been taking strict measures against extremism in the country.

While the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) is also part of the efforts to curb extremism and the possibility of terrorism in the country, authorities have revealed that there was “no particular” reason behind raising the alert status, however, it is to prepare the officers for “anything that may happen”.