The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday celebrated the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation. They highlighted important achievements made through global law enforcement partnerships over the past year.
The police shared this information in a statement by their spokesperson, Ani Iniedu. This annual event, held every 7 September, shows how crucial international teamwork is in fighting cross-border crime, protecting vulnerable people, and improving public safety.
“The observance shows that modern criminal networks operate across borders. Online fraudsters target victims in different areas. Organised crime groups move people, illegal goods, and money from one country to another,” the statement said.
“Effective policing needs ongoing cooperation, quick sharing of information, and joint actions among law enforcement agencies,” it added.
The police mentioned that working with international partners helped Nigeria find and rescue victims, recover stolen items, track down fugitives, break up organised crime groups, and fight cybercrime.
Data from the police showed that between 2025 and 2026, working with INTERPOL and partner National Central Bureaus (NCBs) led to the arrest of over 10 fugitives. There were also more than five international extraditions and handovers, along with the rescue of over 60 victims from trafficking and kidnapping.
The police further reported that they seized assets worth over N2 billion. They also have more than 43 financial crime cases still being investigated.
Additionally, the police received over 15 cybercrime referrals from partner NCBs. They worked with more than 30 of these partner NCBs and conducted investigations in over 30 countries.
One major success mentioned was the arrest of Victor Fejemirokum. He is a murder suspect linked to the abduction and killing of a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer and her daughter in Abeokuta, Ogun State. This arrest came through international cooperation.
According to the statement, after tracing his movements through a viral social media video, Mr Fejemirokum was located in Ghana. The Ghana Police Service arrested him and later sent him back to Nigeria.
The police also talked about the arrest of Mark Okoh, a Brazilian national wanted for cocaine trafficking. He fled Brazil after jumping bail but was caught in Okota, Lagos, through international teamwork. Extradition processes to send him back to Brazil are now underway.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, confirmed the force’s commitment to working with INTERPOL and other global law enforcement partners. He emphasized the need for effective information sharing, joint investigations, skill development, and cross-border support to address new security challenges. This helps prevent criminals from using different legal zones to escape justice.
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