By Peter Omopo
28th August 2025 | Cape Town
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called for stronger international cooperation to curb cattle rustling and tackle the rising threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) materials across Africa.
Egbetokun made the appeal while addressing delegates at the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
In a statement on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the IG emphasized that cattle rustling, once considered a local challenge, has now evolved into a sophisticated criminal enterprise fueling terrorism and other cross-border crimes.
“Cattle rustling has become a key source of funding for armed groups and criminal networks,” Egbetokun warned. “It is now linked to the spread of zoonotic diseases such as anthrax and brucellosis, the smuggling of radioactive materials, and the financing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).”
To address these threats, the IG unveiled a six-pillar framework that includes:
- Intelligence fusion
- Reforms in livestock markets
- Stronger anti-money laundering measures
- Enhanced border cooperation
- Community partnerships
- Preparedness against CBRNE risks
He stressed that Nigeria remained committed to leading regional efforts, sharing best practices, and working with global partners to safeguard peace and security.
On the sidelines of the conference, Egbetokun held talks with INTERPOL President, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, and Secretary-General Valdecy Urquiza on strengthening border security, improving access to global policing databases, and boosting real-time information exchange.
He also met with a Brazilian delegation to explore deeper Nigeria-Brazil cooperation in intelligence sharing and capacity building to counter CBRNE-related threats.
Egbetokun concluded by urging African states and international partners to form a united front to protect livestock trade, shield rural communities, and close off vulnerabilities exploited by extremists.
