By Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Tuesday hosted a high-level delegation from INTERPOL, led by its Executive Director of Police Services, Mr Cyril Gout, to enhance security cooperation and law enforcement capabilities in Nigeria.
The visit marked the formal handover of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) by INTERPOL, following an official transfer ceremony earlier in the day at the Ministry of Police Affairs.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police described WAPIS as a strategic tool designed to unify police data management, improve information sharing, and bolster crime-fighting efforts across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
“The WAPIS system is strategically designed to strengthen police information systems throughout the region by harmonising data management practices, bolstering data collection efforts, and fostering enhanced information sharing among law enforcement agencies in the West African Sub-region and Nigeria,” the statement read.
IGP Egbetokun, who also serves as the Chairman of the West African Chiefs of Police Committee (WAPCCO), acknowledged INTERPOL’s crucial role in global security cooperation. He pledged the NPF’s full commitment to implementing WAPIS and maximizing its potential in tackling crime nationwide.
“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,” he assured.
