Nigeria Police Emphasizes Interpol Partnership on UN Day of Police Cooperation

 

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) stands alongside police organizations globally in commemorating the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation, emphasizing the significance of international collaboration in law enforcement to tackle transnational crime, safeguard vulnerable individuals, and enhance public safety.

A statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, highlighted that this observance reflects the reality that contemporary criminal networks operate beyond borders, with online fraudsters preying on victims across various jurisdictions and organized crime syndicates trafficking individuals, illegal goods, and illicit proceeds internationally.

The statement revealed that during the past year, partnerships with international law enforcement agencies led to the capture of Victor Benjamin Fejemirokum, a fugitive wanted for the abduction and murder of an FRSC officer and her daughter in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

After efforts to track his whereabouts through a viral social media video, he was found in Ghana and apprehended by the Ghana Police Service, which resulted in his subsequent extradition to Nigeria. Additionally, this cooperation enabled the arrest of Mark Sunny Okoh, a Brazilian national sought for cocaine trafficking, who had fled Brazil after skipping bail.

He was detained in Okota, Lagos, following international coordination, and extradition proceedings to Brazil were later initiated.  “Such collaboration strengthens the ability of law enforcement agencies to pursue fugitives across jurisdictions and ensures that victims and affected communities are not denied justice by international borders”, the statement partially noted.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, reiterated the Nigerian Police Force's dedication to enhancing collaboration with INTERPOL and other global law enforcement entities. He emphasized that effective information exchange, coordinated investigations, capacity development, and cross-border operational assistance are vital in addressing emerging security challenges and ensuring that criminals cannot take advantage of jurisdictional gaps to escape justice.

The Nigerian Police Force also acknowledged that international police collaboration is a crucial aspect of contemporary policing. It will persist in fortifying partnerships that promote intelligence-led policing, aid investigations, safeguard communities, and enhance the overall capability of law enforcement agencies to tackle transnational crime.

Furthermore, it reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with partners both domestically and internationally to safeguard lives and property, assist victims, and foster safer communities.