By Adewole Kehinde
On September 20, 2023, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the tour of IGP Kayode Egbetokun to Shanghai, China, for the 2023 Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, Lianyungang (GPSCFL).
One of the purposes of the trip is to engage global stakeholders for improved security management in Nigeria as well as engage in meaningful discussions on global security concerns and development strategies.
The Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, which opened Wednesday in Lianyungang, eastern China’s Jiangsu province, brought together over 500 officials, law enforcement representatives, experts, and scholars from over 50 countries and international organizations. They convened to address rising global challenges such as transnational crime, terrorism, and cybercrime.
With the theme “One World, Common Security,” the forum aimed to foster enhanced collaboration in international law enforcement and public security, addressing the pressing challenges of the modern world.
During the opening ceremony, Chinese State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong emphasised the need to combat emerging forms of crime that threaten global security. He said, “No country can fare well by itself without interacting with other countries.”
He stated that China has a clear and consistent stance on serious and complicated public security issues. He added, “China is willing to cooperate with all parties to put the Global Security Initiative into action, following the principle of security that is shared, holistic, collaborative, and lasting.”
Ma Jinqi, president of China People’s Police University, underscored the role of the Chinese police force in augmenting global public security governance. They have offered training and educational programmes to over 20,000 police officers from 116 countries, encompassing various areas of law enforcement and crime prevention.
Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi, president of the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), praised China’s steadfast commitment to regional security, peace, and stability.
He pointed to China’s pivotal role in joint operations aimed at cross-border telecom fraud, mainly through the collaborative initiative Operation First Light. In 2022, this operation led to the dismantling of 1,770 fraud hubs, the arrest of over 2,000 suspects, and the seizure of illegal funds amounting to $50 million, data from Interpol shows.
The forum’s attendees, including IGP Kayode Egebtokun, resoundingly advocated for dialogue and cooperation to address the pressing security challenges of today’s world. Many commended the Global Security Initiative (GSI) for prioritising dialogue over confrontation, collaboration over alliances, and mutual benefits over zero-sum dynamics.
The conference promoted thorough discussions on the global security landscape, international law enforcement collaboration, and global security governance. It featured three parallel sessions: the Security & Development Forum, the Panel on the International Security Situation, and the Police Academy Chiefs Forum.
Additionally, three documents were unveiled during the conference, covering the concept of public security, enhancing global public security cooperation, and the Global Public Security Index.
In addition to his participation at the global forum, the IGP also engaged in a bilateral meeting with Mr. Yuan Qinhua, Vice Governor and Director of Public Security of Jiangxi Province, China. The meeting focused on exploring ways in which China and Nigeria can strengthen their collaboration in the realms of security training, information sharing, and policing development, an important step towards enhancing international partnerships and promoting shared goals of peace and prosperity.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police under his leadership to actively participating in global security initiatives and fostering collaborations that contribute to the security and well-being of our nation and the international community at large.
I recalled that Nigeria and China’s bilateral relations had continued to grow from strength to strength in economic and other spheres of endeavours with the implementation of the peace and security agreements between the two nations.
I strongly support the IGP’s bilateral meeting with Mr. Yuan Qinhua, Vice Governor and Director of Public Security of Jiangxi Province, China, because insurgency is no longer a country’s problem alone. It is now a global problem. So, countries must join hands together to fight and defeat this problem.
Considering Nigeria’s commitment to a strong and lasting relationship with China, I sincerely hope that the police-to-police cooperation and relationship will be pursued with more vigour.
Finally, I must applaud the efforts of the IGP in crime prevention and control through various strategies and tactics in line with international best practices.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached via 08166240846 or kennyadewole@gmail.com
