The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged police chiefs across West Africa to collaborate and develop innovative strategies to tackle the region’s emerging and complex security challenges. Speaking at the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) technical sub-committee meeting in Abuja, Egbetokun highlighted the increasing threats posed by transnational crimes, cybercriminal activities, and the need for regional cooperation.
Egbetokun emphasized the necessity for developing national security capacities to dominate cyberspace and prevent criminal activities. He pointed out that disparities in legal frameworks and legislative systems hinder effective law enforcement and criminal justice initiatives among member states, calling for a collective review and stronger operational partnerships.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatah Musah, represented by Dr. Abdourahmane Dieng, underscored the impact of information technology on criminal tactics, stressing the importance of enhancing capabilities to combat transnational crimes. Musah urged participants to collaborate on training and operational strategies to address issues such as small arms trafficking, human smuggling, armed robbery, and maritime piracy.
Interpol Regional Bureau Director, Paule Ouedrago, supported the call for increased collaboration, emphasizing the need for international police cooperation to dismantle criminal networks. She advocated for stronger ties between the Permanent Secretariat of the Committee of Police Chiefs and her office to improve police training and operations.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of regional cooperation and innovative strategies to address the growing security challenges in West Africa.
