An INTERPOL-coordinated border security operation across West Africa has resulted in 62 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of firearms, ammunition, explosives, drugs, counterfeit medicines, and stolen vehicles.
The operation, dubbed Operation Screen West Africa 2025, was conducted between July and October.
It brought together law enforcement agencies from 12 West African nations—including Ghana—to strengthen border security, disrupt transnational organised crime, and track individuals linked to terrorism.
During the operation, frontline officers at land, air, and sea borders utilised INTERPOL Mobile Devices and other systems to access global databases, performing a total of 1.7 million real-time checks, up from 1.3 million in 2024.
Nine persons suspected of being terrorists were arrested through the operation.
21 victims of human trafficking were rescued in Ghana after being held in Nigeria and exploited in connection with fraudulent schemes.
Aside from that, 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.
The two 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.
Commenting on the operation, the INTERPOL Executive Director Police Services pro tempore, Cyril Gout, said: “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.”
Other areas the operation focused on were maritime and harbour checks.
The authorities found 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.
The operation was funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, and the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) under Projects I-CT Shield, WATA, and AGWE.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
