IGP Disu Urges Global Police Chiefs to Build Trust Through Technology

Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has called on police leaders across the world to ensure that advances in technology are used to strengthen public trust, transparency and accountability in law enforcement.

Disu made the call on Wednesday while addressing the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) on Innovation and New Technologies in UN Policing at the United Nations Headquarters.

Speaking during a session on the future of technology-driven policing, the Inspector-General said while innovation was transforming law enforcement globally, public confidence remained the cornerstone of effective policing.

He warned that technological advancement should not come at the expense of democratic values or respect for human rights.

“Technology can enhance policing, but it can never replace public trust. The legitimacy of every police institution rests on the confidence of the people it serves,” Disu said.

The police chief noted that the Nigeria Police Force was embracing digital transformation to improve operational efficiency and respond more effectively to evolving security threats.

He described innovation as an operational necessity, noting that policing agencies must adapt to the rapidly changing nature of crime.

According to him, criminal networks are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence, encrypted communication platforms and cyber-enabled fraud to carry out sophisticated cross-border operations, making conventional policing methods less effective.

“Criminal networks now exploit artificial intelligence, encrypted communication and cyber-enabled fraud to operate across borders with high sophistication. This challenges traditional policing models and forces us to rethink how we protect vulnerable communities,” he stated.

Disu, however, said the same technologies could be deployed by law enforcement agencies to improve intelligence gathering, criminal investigations and threat detection through tools such as artificial intelligence, digital forensics and geospatial intelligence.

He stressed that technological innovation must reinforce transparency, accountability and respect for human rights rather than undermine public confidence in policing institutions.

The Inspector-General also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting international cooperation in tackling transnational crime, saying responsible innovation would strengthen global peace, security and the rule of law.

“Together, through responsible innovation and visionary leadership, we can build policing institutions that are not only smarter but more trusted, more inclusive and better equipped to secure a peaceful world,” he added.

The summit drew 145 delegations made up of ministers, inspectors-general of police, police chiefs and senior representatives of regional and professional policing organisations, making it the largest gathering since the event was inaugurated.

Discussions focused on the future of United Nations policing, the application of emerging technologies and deeper international collaboration to address evolving global security challenges.

(NAN)