IGP Egbetokun Calls for Global Alliance Against Cattle Rustling and Terror Financing
Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has urged urgent international collaboration to tackle the growing threats of cattle rustling, terrorism financing, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) risks across Africa.
TIMES OF NIGERIA gathered that the IGP made the call while presenting a paper at the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
He warned that cattle rustling in West Africa has evolved from a localised nuisance into a “sophisticated criminal enterprise” fuelling armed groups and cross-border criminal networks.
He also highlighted its links with zoonotic diseases such as anthrax and brucellosis, the trafficking of radiological materials, and the use of livestock theft proceeds to fund improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The IGP outlined six strategic responses: intelligence fusion, livestock market reforms, anti-money laundering frameworks, stronger border cooperation, community partnerships, and CBRNE preparedness.
“Only a continent-wide and global alliance can secure Africa’s livestock trade, protect rural populations, and deny extremists the chance to exploit regional vulnerabilities,” he said.
On the sidelines, Egbetokun held meetings with INTERPOL President, Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, and Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza, where discussions centred on border security, policing databases, and intelligence-sharing.
He also met a Brazilian delegation led by De Souza Rinaldo and Dos Reis Guedes Ferreira Alvares Andrea, with both sides pledging to strengthen Nigeria–Brazil police cooperation on organised crime and CBRNE threats.
The IGP reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to “leading from the front” in international policing, sharing best practices and building resilience across Africa.
