In what can be regarded as positive development, the Head of INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Nigeria, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Garba Baba Umar, has emerged as the duly elected Vice President (Africa) and Executive Committee Member of the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) – INTERPOL.
AIG Garba was elected in the early hours of Thursday, November 25, 2021 during the 89th INTERPOL General Assembly currently holding at the Halic Congress Hall, Istanbul, Turkey.
A statement made available to TheIdeal on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Mr Frank Mba, also disclosed that the 2021 General Assembly was attended by about 470 Police Chiefs, Ministers and Senior Law Enforcement Officials from the 195 INTERPOL member countries.
Mba further stated that the INTERPOL general assembly seeks to identify areas where the organization can reinforce the global security architecture and enhance collaboration against national and transnational crimes.
Speaking on the uniqueness of Garba’s election and his capacity to effect dynamic leadership, Mba said, “AIG Garba, one of Nigeria’s finest criminal investigators and professional strategic police manager, with over 30 years policing experience both at national and international levels, polled the highest number of votes in the elections.
“With this appointment, which will span through a period of three years , AIG Garba is expected to bring his wealth of experience to bear in coordinating INTERPOL operations targeted at ensuring a safer world for people and communities across the African continent.
“This is in addition to drawing international policing support and cooperation towards advancing public safety and security, protecting the cyber space and generally addressing challenges faced by law enforcement officers and policing managers in the continent.”
The Force PRO also said that the country was ably represented at the INTERPOL general assembly.
He said, “The Nigeria’s delegation to the 89th INTERPOL General Assembly was led by the Minster of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, ably supported by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba.
“The other members of the delegation are: the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (represented by the Naval Provost Marshal).
