ECOWAS, EU, and INTERPOL Pave the Way for a New Era in West African Security with WAPIS Handover.
By.Raymond Enoch
A transformative shift in West African security is set to unfold as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially hands over the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) to national and regional authorities on 8 April 2025. This momentous ceremony, scheduled to take place at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, will mark the culmination of over a decade of strategic partnerships, cooperation, and investment in regional security infrastructure.
The WAPIS system, developed and implemented by INTERPOL and co-funded by the European Union (EU), is designed to support West Africa’s efforts in combating the rising threats of transnational organized crime, terrorism, illicit trafficking, and other cross-border security challenges.
WAPIS is not just a technological achievement; it is a cornerstone of ECOWAS’ broader Peace and Security Architecture, a key initiative aimed at bolstering law enforcement capabilities across the region.
“This handover signifies a new era of data-driven security in West Africa,” said H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission. “With WAPIS, we are laying the foundation for a more integrated, resilient, and effective approach to regional security.”
WAPIS facilitates real-time data exchange, connecting national law enforcement agencies to INTERPOL’s global I-24/7 network. This critical infrastructure allows for the swift exchange of information related to suspects, stolen vehicles, firearms, forged documents, and more, thus reinforcing national law enforcement capacities. By leveraging the power of structured data, WAPIS promotes interoperability, operational cooperation, and stronger collaboration between ECOWAS Member States, enabling them to work more effectively in tackling crimes that transcend borders.
The programme’s significance cannot be overstated. With the establishment of Data Collection and Registration Centres (DACORE), the system strengthens national security forces’ ability to coordinate effectively and share vital criminal intelligence. At the same time, it helps ECOWAS Member States meet international standards for data protection and legislative alignment, with particular attention to the Supplementary Act A/SA.1/01/10 on Personal Data Protection.
A primary focus of the handover is the goal of ensuring the sustainability of the system. The transfer of WAPIS to national and regional authorities is not just an administrative task; it is a demonstration of ECOWAS’ commitment to building resilient, autonomous security institutions that will stand the test of time. With EU and INTERPOL’s support, ECOWAS aims to encourage continued investment in the platform, ensuring that WAPIS becomes an integral part of national security infrastructures across the region.
H.E. Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, emphasized the strategic importance of the handover, stating, “This programme is not just about sharing information; it’s about building trust and fostering a shared responsibility to secure the future of West Africa.”
The event is expected to feature high-level participation, including senior representatives from the EU, INTERPOL, and WAPIS member countries. It will also highlight the growing role of technology in shaping the future of regional security, with the WAPIS initiative seen as an essential tool in achieving the ECOWAS Vision 2050 for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous West Africa.
As WAPIS takes its place at the heart of West African security operations, it reinforces the region’s commitment to collaborative policing and lays the groundwork for a united, data-driven approach to tackling cross-border criminal threats.
With the official transfer of WAPIS, the ECOWAS region has taken another significant step toward ensuring a secure, stable, and prosperous future for its people, where security challenges are met with unity, professionalism, and shared responsibility.
