i24/7 system will curb crime in Nigeria says IGP

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, has said that the newly launched International Police, Interpol i24/7 Secured Global Communication System, would checkmate the nefarious activities of criminals within Nigeria and organised trans-border crime.
Idris said this on Tuesday in Abuja while commissioning the Interpol i24/7 executed by the Interpol System Consultant Sheiks and Bishops.
He said “We are very fortunate that this strategic initiative, on refurbishing National Central Bureau, Abuja INTERPOL i-24/7 secure global communication system and its expansion and extension to the other law enforcement agencies, ministries and departments is coming at the auspicious time in which adequate collaboration and synergy is required amongst all relevant stakeholders in the country to checkmate the nefarious activities of criminals within the country and in the fight against transnational organised crime.”
The IGP said that the expansion and extension of INTERPOL i-24/7 access to other national law enforcement entities at strategic locations; such as a border crossing, airports, customs and immigration posts was one of the pivotal instrument designed to actualised it.
According to him, this expansion when fully implemented is designed to enable front line officers direct access to three major INTERPOL databases; nomination data, stolen and lost travel documents and stolen motor vehicles.
This, the police boss said, will allow an airport immigration officer detect a passport presented by a traveller as having been reported as stolen; enable custom officer at the border to conduct search of a traveller’s identification number (VIN) or chassis number to determine whether the car has been reported as a stolen; and alert national authorities on wanted persons who may be attempting to enter the country by air or sea.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Interpol, Olusola Subar said the event was a welcome development coming at a time when the country needs a synergy amongst various stakeholders in the fight against crime.
“This initiative is strategic as it is going to be he stepping stone for the extension to the various law enforcement agencies, Ministries and departments that will need access to the INTERPOL database.
According to hiSubar, it is imperative to note that the upgrade and planned extension to the other agencies is key as INTERPOL database is one of the most vital and robust source of intelligence and Security. “It is a near accurate as a result of queries carried out are received almost within 30 to 60 seconds.
Synergy is important as several operations and trainings organised by INTERPOL involving various law enforcement agencies has brought huge success.
This will enable the front line officers querying the INTERPOL database alongside the national databases in real time without the targets knowing and also help to populate wanted persons who may be attempting to enter the country, dangerous persons missing persons mong others.”
In his goodwill message, the Systems Consultant, Mr Chikwe Udensi said the i-24/7 marked a watershed in Nigeria’s quest for eradication of crime.
“This also marks the beginning of the use of instrumentality for security purpose in Nigeria. We will ensure this project is not one of those abandoned projects. It will be properly used for security purpose in the country,” he said.