The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has met with the Secretary-General of INTERPOL, Valdecy Urquiza, in Lyon, France as part of efforts to strengthen international cooperation against transnational crime. This meeting marks the maiden official visit of the IGP to the INTERPOL General Secretariat in Lyon. The discussions focused on deepening collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the global police organisation.
The meeting between IGP Disu and Urquiza covered several key areas, including cybercrime, counter-terrorism, financial crime, organised crime, and fugitive tracking. The two officials also discussed intelligence sharing and the effective use of INTERPOL databases and policing tools to support investigations and criminal intelligence operations. These efforts aim to enhance the capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force in addressing transnational crimes.
The engagement provided an opportunity to review Nigeria’s participation in INTERPOL-supported initiatives and identify additional areas for technical and operational collaboration. The proposed areas of collaboration included strengthening criminal intelligence analysis, improving cross-border investigations, and disrupting transnational criminal networks. These areas of cooperation are expected to significantly enhance Nigeria's capacity to tackle transnational crimes.
IGP Disu was accompanied on the visit by several senior police officials, including AIG Olaolu Adegbite, Head of INTERPOL Nigeria and the National Central Bureau, Abuja; AIG Ezima Akaninyene Ifem, Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre; AIG Akoh Benedict Gabriel, Head of the Nigeria Police Counter Terrorism Unit; and CP Ojajuni Olubode, INTERPOL Africa Committee Member. Their presence underscores the importance of this visit and the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to international cooperation.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening its partnership with INTERPOL and other international law-enforcement agencies. The Force will continue to leverage intelligence, technology, and international policing capabilities to respond to evolving security threats and disrupt criminal networks operating across national borders. This commitment is in line with the global efforts to tackle transnational crimes.
The meeting between IGP Disu and Urquiza is a significant step towards enhancing international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime. The discussions and agreements reached during the visit are expected to yield positive results in the fight against crime in Nigeria and beyond. The Nigeria Police Force is expected to benefit from this collaboration, enhancing its capabilities to address transnational crimes.
The visit and the agreements reached are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to international cooperation and its determination to tackle transnational crimes. The Force will continue to work with INTERPOL and other international partners to address the evolving security threats facing the country. This collaboration will contribute to a safer and more secure environment for Nigerians.
Key points
- Strengthening international cooperation against transnational crime
- Enhancing Nigeria Police Force's capabilities to tackle transnational crimes
- Improving intelligence sharing and collaboration with INTERPOL
