The Federal Government yesterday expressed its readiness to implement the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) in Nigeria.
The WAPIS, the government said, would help the country to tackle terrorism in the region.
Police Affairs Minister Ibrahim Gaidam announced this when he hosted a delegation from the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), European Union (EU), and INTERPOL at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Gaidam said: “This visit marks a significant milestone in our journey towards the implementation of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) here in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Your presence here today is a testament to the importance and urgency that we all attach to enhancing regional security cooperation.
“The implementation of the WAPIS holds immense significance for the Nigerian Police and our great nation as a whole. As we stand at the forefront of addressing the complex challenges of transnational crime and terrorism, the need for efficient and reliable information-sharing mechanisms cannot be overstated.
“The WAPIS system presents us with a unique opportunity to strengthen our law enforcement efforts and foster collaboration among West African countries.
“By implementing the WAPIS, we will enhance our capacity to collect, store, analyse, and share crucial law enforcement data across borders.
“This system will enable us to tackle the menace of organised 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.
“Moreover, the WAPIS system will contribute to the creation of a safer and more secure West Africa as it will foster trust and cooperation among our regional partners, facilitating the exchange of information, best practices, and expertise”.
The Director of Police Service at the INTERPOL headquarters, Bruno Samizano, said the global police were at the ministry to seek ways to implement WAPIS in Nigeria.
