Regional Security: Police Partners INTERPOL To Strengthen Data Sharing

Oluwakemi Kindness

In a move aimed at significantly enhancing internal security and law enforcement capabilities through international partnership and collaboration, a delegation from INTERPOL led by Cyril Gout, the Executive Director Police Services on Tuesday visited the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

The visit to IGP Egbetokun who doubles as the Chairman of the West African Chiefs of Police Committee (WAPCCO), aims at strengthening the cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and to notify the police of the handing over of the system.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Ministry of Police Affairs took over the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) from INTERPOL on behalf of the Nigerian Government, and the system is currently domiciled with the Nigeria Police Force.

The WAPIS system is strategically designed to strengthen police information systems throughout the region by harmonizing data management practices, bolstering data collection efforts, and fostering enhanced information sharing among law enforcement agencies in the West African Sub-region and Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the Inspector-General of Police while recognizing the significant role of INTERPOL in international cooperation, a role crucial in tackling complex challenges around the globe, appreciated the efforts of INTERPOL.

He assures of full cooperation and the implementation of the WAPIS programme in Nigeria and across the West African Region.

The statement adds that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to leveraging all three levels of WAPIS to their maximum potential and remains confident that WAPIS will be a game-changer in Nigeria’s fight against crime.