INTERPOL has pulled off a monumental operation in West Africa, leading to the arrest of a staggering 62 individuals and the seizure of an astonishing collection of illicit items! We're talking weapons, explosives, drugs, counterfeit medicines, and stolen vehicles that could fill an entire warehouse!

This colossal initiative, known as Operation Screen West Africa 2025, involved law enforcement agencies from a whopping 12 countries,including the likes of Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire. Thanks to INTERPOL’s cutting-edge global databases, officers conducted a mind-blowing 1.7 million real-time checks across various land, air, and sea borders throughout the operation. 

Among the arrested suspects, nine individuals are under suspicion of having ties to terrorism! Yes, you heard that right! This includes three suspects in Burkina Faso linked to the notorious Al-Qaeda-affiliated JNIM group, infamous for a deadly 2020 attack in Côte d’Ivoire that left over ten security personnel dead. Six other suspects were nabbed in Mauritania for their alleged involvement in terrorist activities. 

The operation didn't stop there! It also made groundbreaking advancements in the battle against human trafficking, rescuing a heart-wrenching 21 victims in Ghana who had been held captive in Nigeria and exploited in fraudulent schemes. The list of dangerous items seized is nothing short of staggering: explosives, dynamite, 136 stolen vehicles, 731 kilograms of cannabis, counterfeit medicines, fake currency, and a treasure trove of fraudulent documents,all items that could easily fuel terrorism or organized crime. 

Cyril Gout, INTERPOL's Executive Director of Police Services pro tempore, couldn't stress enough how vital international cooperation and specialized tools are in the fight against crime. He passionately declared that this operation showcases how joint efforts can effectively pinpoint suspects and dismantle expansive criminal networks.

The 12 nations that banded together for this operation included Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. With generous funding from Germany, Denmark, and the United States, this operation highlights a global commitment to combatting crime and terrorism in the region.