WAPIS : FG Expresses Commitment To Collaborate With ECOWAS, INTERPOL

Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Grace Namiji

Information gathering and sharing remains a vital tool for security agencies to effectively carry out their mandate of securing the Nation.

To this end the Federal Government has expressed its willingness to continue to collaborate with the ECOWAS Commission, European Union and the INTERPOL to ensure the success of the West Africa Police Information System, WAPIS.

The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam who stated this during the visit of the ECOWAS, European Union, and INTERPOL delegation to the Ministry in Abuja said the initiative holds immense significance for the Nigerian Police and the Nation.

Senator Gaidam who described WAPIS as a viable tool for addressing the complex challenges of transnational crimes and terrorism said the system presents Nigeria with a unique opportunity to strengthen its law enforcement efforts and foster collaboration among West African countries.

He said “by implementing the WAPIS, we will enhance our capacity to collect, store, analyze, and share crucial law enforcement data across borders. This system will enable us to tackle the menace of organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism more effectively. It will empower our law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to identify and apprehend criminals who operate across national boundaries, ensuring that they face the full force of justice”.

The Minister further explained that, the WAPIS system would contribute to the creation of a safer and more secured West Africa while fostering trust and cooperation among regional partners.

Senator Gaidam added that the Ministry would continue to empower law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to enable them identify and apprehend criminals who operate across national boundaries.

In a remark, the permanent secretary of the Ministry, Nasir Sanni-Gwarzo who described the initiative as a major milestone for security agencies and Africa at large called for more technical expertise support to help improve and accelerate the successes recorded so far.

Earlier, leader of the delegation,Director Police Service INTERPOL Headquarters,

Bruno Samizano said the visit was geared towards reviewing the specific objective of the program and examining the status regarding the development of WAPIS mechanism within Nigeria’s law enforcement landscape.