In a major push to bolster cross-border intelligence sharing and tackle transnational crime, Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, met with the Secretary General of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), Valdecy Urquiza, on Monday, October 5, 2026, at the INTERPOL General Secretariat headquarters in Lyon.
The high-level bilateral summit, which began at 10:00 AM Central European Time, focused on expanding real-time operational cooperation, upgrading law enforcement technology, and neutralizing cross-border security threats across West Africa and beyond. Discussions centered on joint strategies to combat cybercrime, terrorism financing, human trafficking, and maritime piracy.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation following the closed-door meeting, Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, underscored the strategic importance of the talks for Nigeria’s internal and regional security operations.
”The Nigeria Police Force is committed to deepening its operational synergy with INTERPOL to ensure seamless intelligence exchanges and technological integration,” Adejobi said. “This strategic partnership is critical to denying criminal elements safe havens across international borders and tracking down fugitives targeting our national stability.”
During the discussions, INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza praised Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional security framework initiatives and reaffirmed the organization’s readiness to support the country with advanced technical tools, specialized capacity building, and direct operational support.
Key outcomes of the engagement include; Expanding the I-24/7 Communications Network: Accelerating the deployment of INTERPOL’s secure global communication system to strategic border entry points, international airports, and key police formations across Nigeria to allow real-time tracking of wanted individuals and stolen property.
Targeting Digital Financial Crime: Setting up specialised, joint anti-cybercrime initiatives designed to dismantle financial fraud syndicates operating across international boundaries.
Counter-Terrorism Database Integration: Strengthening data-sharing protocols to track foreign fighters, illegal arms trafficking networks, and illicit cross-border financial flows supporting terrorist groups.
The bilateral visit concluded with IGP Disu and the Nigerian delegation touring INTERPOL’s Command and Coordination Centre (CCC) to evaluate real-time global crime monitoring systems and discuss immediate integration mechanisms for Nigerian police operatives.
