Police forces have concluded a three-day pre-operational meeting for “Operation TAPI” in Cotonou, Benin, a capacity building meeting aimed enhancing efforts towards combatting illicit products on the continent. This operation, the first cross-border initiative spearheaded by AFRIPOL, targets a range of illicit activities, including the trafficking of drugs, pharmaceuticals, arms, counterfeit or smuggled goods, and environmental crimes.

Operation TAPI forms part of AFRIPOL’s broader strategic objective to strengthen police cooperation across African borders by addressing the complex challenges posed by transnational organized crime. This operation is scheduled to take place from October 14-20, 2024, and is designed to foster collaboration, enhance intelligence sharing, and disrupt criminal networks that exploit Africa’s borders for illegal activities. The operation will engage six AU Member States: Benin, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Chad, and Togo, reflecting a robust commitment to curbing these security threats across borders.

During the preparatory meeting, participants from the six countries received in-depth training on the investigation of illicit product trafficking, the methods of concealment commonly used by traffickers, and the routes through which these illegal goods are transported. The training also included an evaluation of each participating country’s national operational plans, providing a platform for the exchange of best practices and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned on the operational objectives. A comprehensive overview of the operation plan was shared, covering the structure of the Operational Coordination Unit, daily reporting protocols, and secure communication channels.

Operation TAPI highlights AFRIPOL’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of African police forces. The inclusion of AFRIPOL's National Liaison Offices (NLOs) as key

stakeholders in this operation underscores the importance of inter-agency coordination at both the national and cross-border levels. This initiative also sets the stage for future collaborative operations, leveraging AFRIPOL’s tools and expertise to strengthen law enforcement cooperation across the African continent, thereby contributing to regional peace, stability, and security.

The operation is supported under the INTERPOL Support Programme for the African Union in relation to AFRIPOL (ISPA).

For further information please contact:

Dr. Mohamed Benaired | Head, Training & Capacity Building Division | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: Benairedm@africa-union.org | Alger, Algérie.

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