A large-scale border security initiative coordinated by INTERPOL across West Africa has led to 62 arrests and the confiscation of substantial quantities of firearms, ammunition, explosives, narcotics, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and stolen vehicles. Dubbed Operation Screen West Africa 2025, the exercise ran from July to October and involved collaborative efforts from law enforcement agencies in 12 West African countries, including Ghana.
The operation aimed to reinforce border controls, dismantle transnational criminal networks, and identify individuals with suspected ties to terrorism. Throughout the operation, officers stationed at land, air, and maritime borders deployed INTERPOL Mobile Devices and other integrated systems to access global databases, conducting 1.7 million real-time checks—an increase from 1.3 million recorded in 2024.
Key Results:
- Nine arrests of individuals suspected of terrorist affiliations.
- Nearly 250 database “hits”, including seven linked to INTERPOL Red Notices and nine linked to Blue Notices concerning terrorism.
- 21 victims of human trafficking were rescued in Ghana after being held in Nigeria and exploited in connection with fraudulent schemes.
Notably, Burkina Faso authorities arrested two individuals wanted by Côte d’Ivoire for their involvement in a 2020 Al-Qaeda-affiliated attack that killed over ten security personnel. Both were previously subject to INTERPOL Blue Notices, which request information on a person’s identity, location, or activities for criminal investigations. A third suspect with links to terrorism was also arrested, previously flagged during a 2024 INTERPOL operation in Togo.
INTERPOL Executive Director Police Services pro tempore, Cyril Gout, commented: “These cases highlight how the operational support we offer member countries and our specialist tools can link suspected terrorists and disrupt their attempts to endanger communities. We remain committed to countering these threats and strengthening security across the region.”
The operation also focused on maritime and harbour checks, with authorities identifying vessels engaging in deceptive shipping practices, including “dark operations” where ships switch off identification systems and frequent flag changes to evade scrutiny.
Officers in Ghana were also able to free 21 victims of human trafficking who had been held in Nigeria and exploited in connection with fraudulent schemes.
Seizures and Recoveries Include:
- 17 caches of weapons and ammunition
- Explosives, including dynamite and detonators
- 136 stolen vehicles
- 731 kg of cannabis
- Counterfeit medicines, including fake opioid painkillers
- Counterfeit currency and fraudulent documents
These seized items are believed to finance terrorism and organised crime.
The 12 participating countries were Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Source: Isaac Appiah-Kubi
