Heads of INTERPOL National Central Bureaus (NCBs) from across West Africa have visited the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) in Abuja as part of activities marking the 11th Annual General Congress of Heads of INTERPOL NCBs in the region.
The working visit highlighted the growing commitment among West African nations to strengthen collaboration in combating cybercrime and other transnational threats.
Leading the delegation, Head of NCB Abuja, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olaolu Adegbite, explained that the NPF-NCCC, which started as a unit within NCB Abuja, has evolved into a full-fledged centre dedicated to tackling cybercrime in Nigeria.
He encouraged delegates to study the centre’s technological capabilities and operational strategies, noting that valuable lessons could be adapted to improve cybercrime enforcement efforts in their respective countries.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, the Director of the NPF-NCCC, Commissioner of Police Akaninyene Ezima, described the centre as a hub of innovation and a leading force in Nigeria’s fight against cyber-enabled crimes.
CP Ezima expressed appreciation for the visit and congratulated member countries on recent security successes achieved through INTERPOL cooperation.
The delegation was accompanied by Mrs. Paule Ouedraogo, Head of the INTERPOL Regional Bureau for West Africa based in Abidjan. Also speaking during the visit, Madam Chantal Apenaeki, Head of the INTERPOL Regional Bureau for Central Africa, commended the Nigeria Police Force for its efforts in child protection and the fight against child abuse.
She noted that granting NCB Abuja access to INTERPOL Headquarters’ child protection database would further enhance intelligence sharing and strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable children across the region.
Responding, CP Ezima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating child exploitation, stressing that the country treats such offences with utmost seriousness.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of the NPF-NCCC facilities and a renewed commitment by participating countries to deepen cross-border cooperation in the fight against cybercrime and the protection of vulnerable populations throughout West Africa.
