By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The National Central Bureau (NCB) of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi welcomed representatives from law enforcement agencies representing over 20 nations.
These delegates convened in Kenya to participate in Interpol’s Post-Operation and Operational Analysis Meeting, taking place at the Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi.
The meeting was officially inaugurated by Mr. Apollo Africa, the Head of Interpol’s Regional Bureau for East Africa, and commenced on Monday 3rd March 2025 with proceedings scheduled to continue until Friday, March 7, 2025.
As reported by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, this assembly follows the successful execution of Interpol’s Operation Thunder 2024, an annual initiative aimed at combating the illegal trafficking of fauna and flora.
“Marking its eighth consecutive year, the global operation ran from November 11 to December 6, 2024, uniting police, customs, border control, forest, and wildlife officials from 138 countries and regions. Notably, Kenyan authorities seized 41 tonnes of exotic timber destined for Asia via ocean freight during the operation,” the DCI said on X.
“Regular operations like Thunder enable investigators to compile a detailed global intelligence framework and comprehensive offender profiles, greatly enhancing the effectiveness of enforcement efforts and the resolution of cross-border cases,” the DCI added.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various Kenyan agencies, including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Customs, and the Joint Port Control Unit (JPCU).
This post-operation meeting in Kenya highlights the crucial function of NCB-Nairobi in the fight against international crime and trafficking, effectively extending the DCI’s enforcement capabilities well beyond the country’s borders.