The Inspector General of Police Mohammed Abubakar Adamu has said that the signing of the African Free Trade Agreement within the ECOWAS framework could present new sets of security threats in the West African Sub-Region.
Adamu stated this in his opening remark at the opening ceremony of the INTERPOL Week, Monday in Abuja.
According to him, “Much as the INTERPOL framework has been helpful in strengthening partnerships among national law enforcement agencies towards addressing the global security question, the issue of border security and management remains a constant threat.
“In this regard, the signing of the African Free Trade Agreement within the ECOWAS framework could present new sets of security threats in the West African Sub-Region for which we need to step up our collaborative efforts, devise new strategies and build enduring partnerships to contain. It is our expectation that this concern shall form part of our discourse during this 2019 INTERPOL Week.”
While highlighting the threats the Inspector General asked for the help of the International Police (INTERPOL) in curbing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
Also in his speech, the IGP noted that in the course of the week, the foundation stone for the construction of the Nigeria INTERPOL National Central Bureau Headquarters will be laid.”In the course of the Week, we shall be laying the foundation stone for the construction of the Nigeria INTERPOL National Central Bureau Headquarters which is a landmark initiative,” he said.
The Police boss said it was the first time that the Nigeria Police which warehouses the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Nigeria would be dedicating an entire week towards drawing attention to the activities and strategic roles of INTERPOL in national, regional and global security.
According to him, “The Week will enhance the professional knowledge of law enforcement officers as strings of lectures that are designed to give them insight into the capabilities and the opportunities that INTERPOL could offer in aid of the attainment of our security management mandates will be delivered.
“…Coming at this time when the nation, sub-region, and the international community are faced with complex, transnational, and technology-driven security threats, the Nigeria INTERPOL Week presents a unique opportunity for all strategic security actors and stakeholders within and beyond the country to interact, discuss, build veritable professional network and evolve workable strategies within the context of the INTERPOL’s mandate towards tackling the security threats in a coordinated and sustainable manner.”
The event which was well attended by security agencies and other government officials was declared open by the minister of police affairs.
