•IGP Disu at the summit
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for stronger international collaboration among law enforcement agencies to confront the growing threat of transnational crime, stressing that collective action remains critical to safeguarding global peace, security and sustainable development.
Disu appealed while representing Nigeria at the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York between July 7 and 8, 2026.
The summit brought together Ministers, Inspectors-General of Police, Chiefs of Police and senior officials from regional and international policing organisations to examine ways of strengthening cooperation between national police institutions and United Nations policing structures in responding to evolving security challenges, reports Daily Independent.
Addressing participants at the high-level gathering, the Nigerian police chief drew attention to the increasingly sophisticated nature of transnational criminal activities, noting that criminal organisations are taking advantage of artificial intelligence, encrypted communication platforms and other cyber-enabled technologies to expand their operations across national borders.
He observed that the changing dynamics of global crime are stretching traditional policing approaches and underscored the need for enhanced intelligence sharing, innovation and strategic international partnerships to effectively respond to emerging threats.
Disu maintained that technology has become an indispensable component of contemporary policing, pointing to opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, digital forensics, geospatial intelligence and advanced data analytics in strengthening law enforcement operations.
He, however, stressed that the deployment of emerging technologies must be guided by transparency, accountability, respect for human rights and strict observance of the rule of law.
“Public trust remains the cornerstone of effective policing,” the IGP emphasised, adding that innovation should strengthen, rather than undermine, the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
The Inspector-General further advocated greater international cooperation in capacity building and called for more equitable access to digital policing resources across countries.
According to him, the benefits of technological advancement should not be limited to a few technologically advanced nations but should be shared among all member states to foster a more balanced and effective global security framework.
The two-day summit served as a forum for policing leaders from across the world to exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for tackling contemporary security concerns, including terrorism, cybercrime, organised crime and other cross-border criminal activities.
Nigeria’s participation at UNCOPS 2026, the police chief noted, reflects the country’s commitment to supporting global peacekeeping efforts and strengthening cooperation with international partners in the fight against transnational crime and the promotion of collective security.
The engagement also underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment under the leadership of IGP Disu to align its operations with global best practices, deepen the adoption of technological innovation and expand international partnerships aimed at building safer and more secure societies across the world.
