Intelligent-driven policing critical to research, technology in education sector, says IGP Disu
By Uji A Iliyasu Abuja
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has said education, research and technology are critical to building a modern, professional and intelligence-driven police force capable of tackling emerging security challenges in Nigeria.
Disu stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, where he sought sustained support for the expansion and modernisation of police educational institutions.
The police chief said many complaints against the police could be traced to gaps in education and professional development.
“We realise that we cannot do our jobs without education. If you notice any lapses in what the police do, all the complaints we have against the police boil down to education,” Disu said.
He stressed that policing had evolved beyond stereotypes and now required scientific and technology-driven approaches.
“We want to be scientific. We need specialists in forensics, criminology, cyber security and data analytics. We want research-driven policing supported by advanced technology,” he added.
The IGP disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force was repositioning its training institutions to align with global standards, noting that the proposed police university in Ogun State would mark a major milestone in ongoing reforms.
“The future of effective policing lies in education, innovation, professionalism and strategic partnership,” he stated.
Disu further revealed that the force already has officers trained in artificial intelligence, drone operations and crime analytics, adding that predictive policing techniques were increasingly being deployed to anticipate criminal activities.
“We are doing analytics in policing. We can predict crimes happening. At the end of the year, for example, we notice increases in fraud, accidents and other crimes. These are things that data and research help us to understand and prevent,” he said.
The police boss appealed to TETFund for continued intervention in academic infrastructure, ICT facilities, laboratories, research centres and staff development programmes for police institutions nationwide.
Responding, Echono assured the police leadership of TETFund’s continued support, describing Disu as a highly professional officer whose reputation for excellence preceded his appointment as IGP.
“TETFund has had a long history of collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force, and we will continue to strengthen that partnership,” he said.
Echono disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the establishment of a new campus of the Police Academy in Ogun State, with funds already released for its takeoff.
He also pledged support for specialised training programmes for police officers in technology, cyber security and advanced investigations, stressing that modern crime had become increasingly sophisticated and technology-driven.