... Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment to Combating Terrorism and Transnational Crimes
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has urged stronger international collaboration to tackle the rising security challenges posed by cattle rustling and the growing threat of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) materials across Africa.
Egbetokun made the call while presenting a paper at the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP warned that cattle rustling in West Africa has evolved from a rural nuisance into a sophisticated criminal enterprise, now serving as a major source of funding for terrorism, armed groups, and cross-border criminal networks.
He further raised concerns about the nexus between cattle rustling and CBRNE threats, noting the risks of zoonotic diseases such as anthrax and brucellosis, the trafficking of radiological materials through smuggling routes, and the use of livestock theft proceeds to finance improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in conflict zones.
To address these challenges, the police chief outlined six strategic pillars: intelligence fusion, livestock market reforms, anti-money laundering measures, stronger border cooperation, community partnerships, and enhanced preparedness against CBRNE threats.
He emphasized the need for a global alliance to secure Africa’s livestock economy, safeguard rural communities, and deny extremist groups the opportunity to exploit regional vulnerabilities.
On the sidelines of the conference, Egbetokun held talks with INTERPOL President, Major General Dr. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, and Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, focusing on strengthening border security, expanding access to policing databases, and improving information exchange against terrorism financing.
He also met with a Brazilian delegation led by De Souza Rinaldo and Dos Reis Guedes Ferreira Alvares Andrea, where both sides agreed to deepen Nigeria–Brazil police cooperation in intelligence sharing, combating organized crime, and enhancing CBRNE mitigation capacity.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s resolve, the Inspector-General pledged that the country will continue to lead efforts in sharing best practices and working with regional and international partners to strengthen peace, security, and resilience across Africa and beyond.
