In a landmark move to bolster regional security, the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) has officially been handed over to national and regional authorities across West Africa. The handover, formalized at a high-level ceremony in Abuja, marks a new era of local ownership in the fight against organized crime and terrorism. Launched in 2012 with funding from the European Union and technical support from INTERPOL, WAPIS has been a cornerstone in regional efforts to combat transnational threats. The system allows secure, real-time sharing of police data among ECOWAS Member States, enhancing coordination and intelligence-driven policing. Today, with over 700,000…