Jane Salihu
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, has challenged police leaders across the world to ensure that the rapid adoption of emerging technologies in law enforcement is matched by stronger public trust, accountability and respect for human rights.
Speaking at the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) at the United Nations Headquarters on Wednesday, Disu said technology should serve as a tool to strengthen policing, not as a substitute for the confidence citizens place in law enforcement institutions.
Addressing delegates during a high-level session on innovation and new technologies in UN policing, the Nigerian police chief stressed that public trust remains the bedrock of effective policing, regardless of advances in artificial intelligence and digital security tools.
“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,” he said.
The Inspector-General noted that the Nigeria Police Force is embracing digital transformation to improve operational efficiency in response to evolving security threats, particularly as criminal networks increasingly deploy artificial intelligence, encrypted communication platforms and cyber-enabled fraud to facilitate transnational crimes.
He described innovation as an operational necessity for modern policing but maintained that its deployment must reinforce transparency, accountability and democratic values.
Disu urged global policing institutions to pursue responsible innovation that promotes inclusiveness and safeguards fundamental human rights while improving security outcomes.
“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 said.
The IGP also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with the international community in advancing global peace, security and the rule of law through responsible technological innovation and stronger international policing partnerships.
The Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit brought together 145 delegations comprising ministers, inspectors-general of police, police chiefs and senior representatives of regional and international policing organisations to deliberate on the future of UN policing, innovation, emerging technologies and enhanced cooperation against transnational crime.
Source: NAN
