On January 17, 2023, an INTERPOL delegation, led by Executive Director of Police Services Mr. Stephen Kavanagh, visited Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the ECOWAS Commission, in Abuja. This meeting, part of a series of visits to bolster collaboration with ECOWAS and Nigerian institutions, concluded on January 18, 2023, as reported by ECOWAS. The discussions, reflecting ongoing efforts as of 09:30 PM WAT on August 27, 2025, underscore a shared commitment to tackling pressing security issues in West Africa.
Strengthening Regional Security Ties
The delegation, including Mr. Theos Badegé (Assistant Director IT Services), Mr. Richard Gotwe (Head of the West Africa Police Information System [WAPIS] Programme), and Mr. Mohamed Yansaneh (WAPIS Programme Coordinator at ECOWAS), engaged in a productive dialogue. Mr. Kavanagh commended ECOWAS for its efforts against cybercrime, counterterrorism, and illegal migration, particularly praising Commissioner Musah’s leadership in the WAPIS project. This initiative aims to enhance police information sharing across the region.
Commissioner Musah highlighted 2023 as a year marked by serious security challenges, including terrorism and trafficking. He called for deeper cooperation with INTERPOL and urged stronger ties with GIABA, ECOWAS’s body combating money laundering and terrorism financing. Musah advocated for a win-win relationship with third parties to combat transnational organized crime effectively, emphasizing reciprocity in joint efforts.
Progress of the WAPIS Programme
Mr. Gotwe updated the meeting on the WAPIS project, noting its operationalization phase at the national level, with over half of ECOWAS Member States now equipped with the system. He stressed the need for enhanced regional cooperation to fully realize the program’s objectives, a step critical for improving security coordination. This progress builds on previous efforts to integrate police data across West Africa, a focus that remains relevant into 2025.
Implications and Ongoing Relevance
The Abuja meeting reflects a strategic partnership to address evolving threats, with WAPIS serving as a cornerstone for regional security. As of August 2025, the collaboration’s impact continues to be felt, with ongoing efforts to expand the program and tackle issues like cybercrime and trafficking. The emphasis on joint initiatives and institutional linkages highlights a proactive approach to stabilizing the region amidst persistent challenges.
