The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has unveiled a technology-driven policing strategy aimed at strengthening the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) operational capacity to combat security challenges in the country.
The new approach, which forms part of the IGP’s reform agenda, was conveyed to officers and men of the Katsina State Police Command by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Sulaiman Muhammad, during a two-day operational visit to the command, Monday.
He said the new strategy marks a shift from conventional reactive policing to intelligence-led and technology-driven law enforcement powered by data analysis, digital forensics and the Nigeria Police Force Crime and Incident Database.
He said the IGP believes that modern policing must be proactive and evidence-based, with greater reliance on intelligence gathering and technological tools to prevent and respond to criminal activities more effectively.
Beyond technology-driven policing, Muhammad said the IGP also introduced five additional administrative pillars to institutionalise operational efficiency and improve service delivery.
He enumerated strict accountability and human rights compliance, community policing and public trust, inter-agency collaboration and regional synergy, operational standardisation and specialisation, as well as personnel welfare and capacity building as the five administrative pillars.
He expressed confidence that the implementation of the technology-driven policing strategy and other reform measures would significantly enhance the fight against insecurity and strengthen public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Commending officers and men of the Katsina Command for their successes against banditry, the DIG praised their courage and dedication in taking the fight directly to criminals, resulting in arrests and the neutralisation of bandits and their collaborators.
Muhammad said, “It is far better to strike first and stay on the offensive than to remain reactive. When bandits know we fire back decisively, they will think twice.”
He cautioned officers and personnel of the NPF against any conduct capable of compromising the integrity, professionalism, and operational standards of the Force.
He stressed that discipline, accountability, and strict adherence to established ethical and professional standards remain essential to effective policing and public trust.
He therefore warned that any officer found engaging in misconduct, corruption, abuse of office, or actions that undermine the image of the Force would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
Earlier, the Katsina State Commissioner of Police Umar Ali Fage, presented an operational briefing, where he highlighted the command’s achievements in combating banditry, kidnapping, arms trafficking and illicit drug activities.
He said intelligence-led operations conducted between March and June in the state led to the dismantling of a six-member kidnapping syndicate responsible for the abduction of an eight-year-old boy, with police recovering ₦7.5 million from the ransom paid by the victim’s family.
He explained that the command also foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued nine victims at Kanya Village in Batsari Local Government Area of the state on June 12.
He added that nine suspected armed bandits and two gunrunners were arrested in Matazu and Kankia local government areas, as well as the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, six magazines and 180 rounds of live ammunition.
The commissioner further disclosed that police operatives recovered 27 stolen motorcycles, rescued 740 rustled animals and seized 6,956 suspected illicit drugs during separate operations.
He assured residents that the command would continue to maintain an offensive posture against criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored across Katsina State.
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