IGP Calls for Scientific Policing, Seeks TETFund Funding

FELICIA ONAH, Abuja

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for greater investment in scientific and technology-driven policing, saying modern crime fighting can no longer rely on outdated methods and assumptions.

Disu made the call on Thursday while seeking financial and institutional support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for the newly established Police Academy in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The IGP spoke during a visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the proposed academy is designed to equip police officers with specialised knowledge in forensic investigation, criminology, artificial intelligence, drone operations, cyber intelligence and data analytics.

“You cannot achieve effective policing without strong forensic departments and properly trained officers. Policing has gone beyond stereotypes. We want to be scientific,” Disu said.

He stressed that modern security challenges require officers capable of analysing crime patterns, understanding criminal behaviour and deploying technology-based solutions in investigations and intelligence gathering.

The police chief recounted an incident during a training exercise where some individuals were wrongly profiled as criminals based solely on their appearance, only for officers to later discover that they were medical doctors, scientists and other professionals.

“That experience showed why education is critical. We profiled them simply by their faces. We must move beyond that kind of thinking,” he stated.

Disu also pointed to recurring crime trends during festive periods, noting that many crimes could be anticipated and reduced through research, data analysis and preventive policing strategies.

He appealed to TETFund to support the smooth take-off of the academy through the provision of lecture theatres, laboratories, ICT facilities, hostels, libraries and research centres.

“The future of effective policing lies in education, professionalism, innovation and strategic partnership. There is no other police force available to us apart from the Nigerian Police Force, and we must continue to strengthen it,” he said.

The IGP maintained that the institution would help reposition policing in the country by producing officers trained in modern investigative techniques and emerging security technologies.

Responding, TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, assured the police authorities of the agency’s readiness to support the academy following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for its establishment.

He said TETFund would provide intervention support for the development of take-off infrastructure and academic facilities needed for the institution to commence operations.

“We will move quickly to provide the core facilities needed for the campus to begin operations. Ensure that before the end of your tenure, the institution attains full university status,” Echono told the IGP.

According to him, once fully developed into a self-sustaining institution, the academy would qualify for regular intervention funding like other tertiary institutions in the country.

Echono also pledged support for the training of lecturers, researchers and specialised officers to help security agencies adapt to evolving criminal tactics driven by technology.

“Technology has made policing easier in some ways and more difficult in others because criminals also have access to sophisticated tools. The only way to stay ahead is through continuous training and capacity building,” he said.

The TETFund boss further commended Nigerian security personnel for their contributions to international peacekeeping and security operations, describing them as highly skilled professionals whose expertise should continue to be strengthened through education and training.