Cameroon, Nigeria to curb cross-border crimes

Nigeria and Cameroon are set to curb trans-border crimes as a means of tackling insecurity in both countries.

This formed part of the joint communiqué at the end of the 4th Session of the Nigeria-Cameroon Trans-border Security Committee in Abuja on Friday.

The communiqué was signed by Mrs, Khadijah Ibrahim, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Mr. Emmanuel Sadi, Head of the Cameroonian Delegation.

The committee in the communiqué called on both parties to facilitate the signing of the various agreements and memoranda of understanding in the areas of trans-border crimes.

The agreements to be signed include the draft agreements on Non-Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons and Trans-Border Trade on Forestry Resources.

Others include the MoU on Establishment of Regular Consultations Mechanism between Authorities of Border Regions/States in Nigeria and Cameroon.

The meeting also recommended the need for both countries to consider proposed agreements on combating drug and human trafficking, money laundering and related fraudulent trade transactions.

The committee also suggested that both parties consider the agreements on combating poaching, illegal lumbering, combating maritime crimes and the draft extradition treaty between both countries.

It also urged both parties to organise joint training exercises for border security personnel to promote mutual understanding and enhance border security operations.

It also recommended the need for both governments to explore other sources of funding for the Multinational Joint Task Force from the African Union and international community.

The committee also urged parties to establish a common data bank on criminal activities along the borders of both countries to facilitate effective monitoring of criminal activities of boarder communities.

It was also recommended that the next session would hold in Cameroon “not later than six months from this session” on a date to be agreed by both governments.