Interpol has pledged to continue supporting the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies from around the world.
INTERPOL President, Ahmed Naser Al Raisi made the pledge at the conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers organised by the Nigeria Police Force which held at the Landmark Event Centre in Owerri, Imo State.
Full speech:
According to him, the international police organisation will sustain its support for their partners against ever-evolving forms of crime.
He said Nigeria’s Police Force has continued to act its vision of making Nigeria safer and more secure for everyone.
He noted that Nigeria, since joining the Interpol in 1960, has played a Key role in tackling regional and international crime.
“The Nigerian police force of three hundred and fifty thousand has been crucial in ensuring the safety and security of the local population, while working alongside police forces from neighboring
Countries to fight against organized crime in West Africa,” the Interpol boss said.
“As leaders in policing, it is our collective responsibility to safequard the lives of people within our communities and
beyond.
“In our capacity, we have the power to: Enhance security, Promnote cooperation, and Facilitate knowledge sharing.”
Nigeria’s geostrategic location, he however, added has attracted organized criminal groups who often smuggle illicit goods or use Nigeria as a stepping stone to reach other continents.
Furthmore, he noted that INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Abuja is fundamental in maintaining national and regional security.
“Nigeria has played a vital role in several INTERPOL operations and initiatives over the years. Demonstrating its commitment to tackling transnational crime,” he added.
“This year alone, the joint INTERPOL-AFRIPOL operation,
Flash-Weka, Targeted human traffickers and migrant smugglers, Resulting in over 1,000 arrests worldwide, thanks to the
Support of Nigeria and several other countries.
“Operation Jackal, which took place in May of this year, tackled West Africa-based organized crime groups like Black Axe.
“Recovering over 2 million Euros and identifying more than 200 bank accounts linked to the illicit activities of
online financial crime.
“Your National Police Force has also supported in the fight against cybercrime.
In another joint INTERPL-AFRIPOL initiative, Nigeria worked alongside 24 other countries across Africa. To identify criminal networks linked to large financial losses.
“As a result of Operation Africa Cyber Surge lI, 14 suspected cybercriminals were arrested. Over 20,000 suspicious cyber networks were identified, And over 40 million US dollars were recovered.
“INTERPOL’s role would not be possible without the support of its member countries, including its 54 member countries across Africa.
“Your continued assistance will ensure that innocent victims are protected from some of the most common crime trends
facing Africa, including: Human trafficking and migrant smuggling, Financial crime and fraud, and Cybercrime.
“As the economic, political, and technological landscapes continue to evolve rapidly, and as we navigate a period of uncertainty it is more important than ever before to join forces to tackle
the challenges of tomorrow.
“As technology advances, we will experience more complex challenges,
With criminals taking advantage of the boundaries between the physical and digital, to create a more sophisticated, borderless criminal landscape.”
