The handover of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) to national and regional authorities was recently formalized in Abuja. This milestone signifies a step forward in regional cooperation against transnational crime. The ceremony was a joint effort by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), and the European Union (EU).
Launched in 2012 with EU financial backing, WAPIS was implemented by INTERPOL alongside ECOWAS Member States. Its centralized platform now hosts over 700,000 digitized records, supporting security operations at multiple levels.
Nigeria's Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Gaidam, reaffirmed the country's commitment. "We recognize the critical role of WAPIS in our security architecture and are dedicated to its continued success," he said. ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, highlighted the political importance, stating, “Let this system be a legacy of collaboration, but above all, a testimony of our political will to secure the region for generations to come.”
INTERPOL's Executive Director for Police Services, Mr. Cyril Gout, called the handover a new beginning for West Africa with INTERPOL’s continued support. EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Ambassador Gautier Mignot, emphasized, “Our investment in WAPIS reflects our dedication to a safer West Africa."
Key figures such as Dr. Isaac Armstrong of the ECOWAS Directorate of Peacekeeping and Regional Security, Inspector General of Police of Nigeria, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and Mr. Mohamed Yansaneh of the ECOWAS Commission contributed to the event, highlighting the enduring collaboration among stakeholders.
This transition to national and regional ownership enhances the region's security framework, underscoring the value of cooperation in tackling transnational threats.
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