Technology Innovation No Longer a Choice but an Operational Necessity, Says IGP Disu at UN Chiefs of Police Summit

By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu 

The Nigeria Inspector-General of Police,IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu at the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026), has said that technological innovation is no longer optional but an operational necessity in modern policing.

Disu made the assertion while speaking at the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from July 7 to 8, 2026.

Speaking during a session at the summit, Disu said that, as Inspector General of Police of the Nigeria Police Force serving a population of over 230 million people, he understood the challenges of navigating the rapid digital transformation of law enforcement.

"For us, innovation is no longer a choice; it is an operational necessity. Criminal networks now exploit artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, and cyber-enabled fraud to operate across borders with high sophistication," he said.

He noted that the growing sophistication of criminal activities had challenged traditional policing models, compelling law enforcement agencies to rethink strategies for protecting vulnerable communities.

"Fortunately, the same technologies that empower criminals also present extraordinary opportunities for law enforcement. Artificial intelligence, digital forensics, and predictive intelligence are transforming how we anticipate threats and conduct investigations," he added.

Disu, however, stressed that while technological advancements offer significant benefits, public trust must remain at the centre of policing.

"Yet, as we embrace these advancements, we must never lose sight of a timeless truth: 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. Innovation must therefore strengthen transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights," he said.

According to him, technology should complement human judgment rather than replace it, adding that its deployment must always be guided by the rule of law and the protection of human dignity.

He further called for greater international collaboration to ensure that the benefits of technological innovation are accessible to all countries.

"To achieve this, the benefits of innovation must not remain exclusive to technologically advanced nations. The future of UN policing must be founded on genuine international cooperation, capacity building, and equitable access to digital capabilities for all member states.

"Technology may transform policing, but trust will always define it. 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.

Disu also commended the United Nations Police for convening the summit, describing it as a vital platform for shaping the future of global policing.

The summit brought together ministers, inspectors-general of police, chiefs of police, and senior representatives of regional and professional policing organisations from around the world to discuss strategies for strengthening international peace, security, and sustainable development through enhanced collaboration between national police services and United Nations policing.