The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is representing Nigeria at the 13th AFRIPOL Steering Committee Meeting holding in Algiers, Algeria, from July 7 to 8, 2025. The high-level gathering brings together police chiefs, senior law enforcement officials, and continental security stakeholders to tackle the growing challenges of terrorism, organized crime, and violent extremism across Africa.
Egbetokun is attending in his dual role as Nigeria’s Police Chief and Chairperson of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO), reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership in regional and continental security cooperation.
Key discussions at the two-day summit include updates on the state of transnational organized crime (TOC) in Africa, progress in deploying the AFSECOM communication system, and the development of AFRIPOL’s strategies on counter-terrorism and TOC. Delegates are also reviewing reforms within AFRIPOL and preparing for the 14th Steering Committee Meeting and 5th General Assembly.
In his remarks, the IGP underscored the urgent need for enhanced cross-border collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations to dismantle criminal networks. He emphasized the role of modern policing tools, integrated communications, and joint task forces in combating complex threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, trafficking, and organized criminal activities.
He also advocated for legal harmonization, improved training for law enforcement personnel, and greater regional interoperability, stating that “the battle against transnational organized crime cannot be won in isolation but through unity, coordinated action, and strategic cooperation.”
Participants at the summit include the Algerian Director-General of National Security, Ali Badaoui; members of the Central and Eastern African Police Chiefs Committees (CAPCCO and EAPCCO), and other regional police leaders.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to AFRIPOL’s mission and pledged to continue supporting multilateral efforts toward a peaceful, secure, and stable Africa.
