Abuja, Nigeria – 6 July 2025 – The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr Sahr Yomba Senesi, delivering a statement on behalf of the Inspector General of Police and current Chairman of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO), has underscored the crucial role of the police in peace support operations during the opening of the Annual Police Focal Point Meeting held in Abuja.
In his address, the Deputy IG extended sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Nigeria for graciously hosting the regional gathering. He also commended the ECOWAS Commission for its continued leadership in promoting peace and security across the West African region. Furthermore, he acknowledged the invaluable support of international partners whose contributions have been instrumental to the success of the event.
Emphasising the timeliness and significance of the meeting, he drew attention to persistent and emerging regional security threats—including armed conflict, terrorism, transnational organised crime, and political instability—which, he noted, demand unified and professional responses. He stressed the indispensable role of police forces in peace support operations, describing them as a critical link between military stabilisation and the restoration of civilian governance and the rule of law.
Mr Senesi announced that the primary objective of the workshop is to develop a standardised police roster comprised of vetted, trained, and readily deployable officers from ECOWAS member states, capable of swift response in crisis situations. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s unwavering commitment—under its leadership of WAPCCO—to strengthening operational readiness among national police institutions and enhancing regional interoperability.
He encouraged all participants to actively engage in experience-sharing, address common challenges, and contribute to the establishment of a practical and sustainable framework to improve the region’s collective response capabilities. The ultimate goal, he stated, is to develop a dynamic and functional mechanism that supports peacekeeping efforts, restores order, and upholds human dignity throughout the sub-region.
In conclusion, Deputy IG Sahr Yomba Senesi reiterated WAPCCO’s commitment to ensuring that the police roster becomes a cornerstone of West Africa’s evolving security architecture, expressing confidence in the outcomes of the ongoing workshop.
The event continues to convene police professionals and stakeholders dedicated to advancing peace and security initiatives within the region.
SLP Media Team
