By ADEWOLE KEHINDE

?The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood.? ? Martin Luther King, Jr

The 2025 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum opened on Wednesday in the city of Lianyungang in east China?s Jiangsu Province, drawing nearly 2,000 participants from 120 countries, regions and international organizations for discussions focusing on addressing global public security challenges through enhanced cooperation.

Participants discussed topics such as ?Joint strategies: Addressing global public security risks and challenges in the new era," "Innovation leading the way: Enhancing public security capacity building and technical cooperation,? and ?Unified action: Building a more comprehensive mechanism for global public security cooperation.?

In addition, eight sub-forums were held, covering areas including tourism security and international police education cooperation

The participation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China, stands as a remarkable moment in Nigeria?s pursuit of global security cooperation. The three-day conference, which ran from the 16th to the 18th of September, brought together security experts, policymakers, and law enforcement leaders from across the world to deliberate on strategies against the growing threat of transnational crime.

It is heartwarming to note that Nigeria, through the person of IGP Egbetokun, not only participated but played a pivotal role in shaping conversations on international security.

His bilateral meeting with China?s Deputy Minister of Public Security, Qi Yanjun, was particularly significant.

The discussions on security cooperation, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and strengthening institutional ties between Nigerian and Chinese law enforcement agencies reaffirm Nigeria?s readiness to embrace collaborative solutions to complex global challenges.

Even more commendable was the Inspector-General?s keynote address on September 18th titled ?Combating Transnational Crime and Countermeasures.?

In his presentation, Egbetokun highlighted Nigeria?s ongoing policing reforms, counter-crime strategies, and efforts to build synergy with international partners.

He presented Nigeria not as a passive recipient of global security measures but as an active contributor to the fight against organized and transnational crimes.

This proactive engagement demonstrates that Nigeria understands that insecurity is no longer confined within borders. The threats of terrorism, cybercrime, trafficking, and cross-border criminal networks require countries to unite, exchange intelligence, and strengthen operational cooperation.

IGP Egbetokun?s participation showed that Nigeria is not lagging behind in this global conversation. Instead, it is asserting its place as a forward-looking nation committed to peace, order, and security beyond its frontiers.

By putting Nigeria at the center of such a global forum, Egbetokun has reinforced the idea that our nation is determined to remain an active player in shaping the future of international law enforcement.

His representation at the forum further boosts confidence that Nigeria?s police leadership understands the complex nature of modern crime and is committed to building networks of trust and partnership.

At a time when global security challenges continue to evolve, what the country needs is a police force whose leadership can think globally while acting locally.

IGP Egbetokun has proven that he embodies that vision. His engagement in China was not just about representing Nigeria, it was about showcasing Nigeria?s readiness to be a dependable partner in safeguarding humanity from the scourge of transnational crime.

For this, I commend the Inspector-General of Police. His participation was a reminder that in the fight against crime, Nigeria has both a voice and a vision that the world must continue to respect.

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