The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has highlighted the importance of international law enforcement cooperation in tackling transnational crime as countries around the world mark the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement on Monday, Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer, said the observance underscores the growing need for police organisations to work across borders to combat criminal networks, protect vulnerable persons and strengthen public safety.
According to the statement, modern criminal networks increasingly operate across jurisdictions, with online fraudsters targeting victims in different countries and organised crime groups trafficking people, illicit goods and criminal proceeds across borders.
The NPF said international cooperation contributed to the arrest of Victor Benjamin Fejemirokum, a murder fugitive wanted over the abduction and killing of an officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and her daughter in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The police said efforts to track Fejemirokum’s movements, following the circulation of a video of him on social media, led to his identification and arrest in Ghana by the Ghana Police Service. He was subsequently repatriated to Nigeria.
The collaboration also resulted in the arrest of Mark Sunny Okoh, a Brazilian national wanted in connection with cocaine trafficking.
Okoh, who allegedly fled Brazil after jumping bail, was arrested in Okota, Lagos, following international coordination. Extradition proceedings to Brazil have since commenced.
“Such collaboration strengthens the ability of law enforcement agencies to pursue fugitives across jurisdictions and ensures that victims and affected communities are not denied justice by international borders,” the statement read in part.
Olatunji Disu, inspector-general of police, reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and other international law enforcement partners.
Disu said effective information sharing, coordinated investigations, capacity building and cross-border operational support were critical to addressing emerging security threats and preventing criminals from exploiting jurisdictional boundaries to evade justice.
The NPF said international police cooperation remains an essential component of modern policing and pledged to continue strengthening partnerships that support intelligence-led policing, enhance investigations and protect communities.
The force also reaffirmed its commitment to working with law enforcement partners in Nigeria and abroad to protect lives and property, support victims and build safer communities.
