A large-scale INTERPOL-coordinated security operation across West Africa has led to 62 arrests and the confiscation of significant quantities of firearms, ammunition, explosives, drugs, counterfeit medicines, and stolen vehicles.

Operation Screen West Africa 2025, conducted between July and October, brought together law enforcement agencies from 12 nations—including Ghana—with the aim of strengthening border security, disrupting transnational organised crime, and tracking individuals linked to terrorism.

During the operation, officers at land, air, and sea borders used INTERPOL Mobile Devices and other systems to access global databases, performing 1.7 million real-time checks, up from 1.3 million in 2024.

Key Outcomes:


  • Nine arrests of individuals suspected of terrorist links.

  • Nearly 250 database “hits,” including seven linked to INTERPOL Red Notices and nine to Blue Notices concerning terrorism.

  • 21 human trafficking victims rescued in Ghana after being held in Nigeria for exploitation in fraudulent schemes.

  • Burkina Faso authorities arrested two individuals wanted by Côte d’Ivoire for a 2020 Al-Qaeda-affiliated attack that killed over ten security personnel.

  • A third suspect with terrorist links, previously flagged in a 2024 INTERPOL operation in Togo, was also apprehended.

INTERPOL Executive Director Police Services pro tempore, Cyril Gout, stated: "These cases show how our operational support and specialist tools link suspected terrorists and disrupt their attempts to endanger communities. We remain committed to countering these threats and strengthening security across the region."

The operation also targeted maritime activity, identifying vessels involved in deceptive shipping practices, including turning off identification systems and frequent flag changes to evade authorities.

Seizures Included:


  • 17 caches of weapons and ammunition

  • Explosives, including dynamite and detonators

  • 136 stolen vehicles

  • 731 kg of cannabis

  • Counterfeit medicines, including fake opioids

  • Counterfeit currency and fraudulent documents

These items are believed to finance terrorism and organised crime.

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, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) under Projects I-CT Shield, WATA, and AGWE.