The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has made a global call for collaboration to combat the escalating security challenges posed by cattle rustling and the emerging threats from chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) materials across Africa.
Egbetokun, who spoke at the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, highlighted the dangerous evolution of cattle rustling from a local issue into a sophisticated criminal enterprise that fuels terrorism and other transnational crimes.
This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasising Nigeria’s commitment to global security.
He said, “The Inspector-General of Police reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to leading from the front, sharing best practices, and working collaboratively with its regional and international partners to ensure peace, security, and resilience in Africa and beyond.”
Egbetotun stated that cattle rustling has become a key source of funding for armed groups and cross-border criminal networks.
The police chief warned of the perilous connection between this form of livestock theft and the proliferation of CBRNE threats.
“This includes the spread of zoonotic diseases like anthrax and brucellosis, the use of smuggling routes for trafficking radioactive materials, and the financing of improvised explosive device (IED) production with proceeds from stolen livestock,” Egbetokun said.
To address this complex security problem, the IG outlined a comprehensive six-pillar strategy.
He said, “This framework includes intelligence fusion, reforms in livestock markets, strengthening anti-money laundering measures, enhanced border cooperation, community partnerships, and a robust preparedness plan for CBRNE threats.”
Egbetokun ended his speech by appealing for continental and global cooperation to secure Africa’s livestock trade, protect rural populations, and shut the regional weaknesses that extremists exploit.
On the sidelines of the conference, the IG had strategic talks with major foreign partners.
He met with INTERPOL President Major General Dr Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi and Secretary-General Valdecy Urquiza to discuss ways to improve border security, enhance access to global policing databases, and improve real-time information sharing.
He also met with a Brazilian delegation to strengthen Nigeria-Brazil police cooperation through intelligence sharing and capacity building for countering CBRNE threats.
