The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has raised the alarm over the increasing use of artificial intelligence, encrypted communications and cyber-enabled platforms by transnational criminal networks.
Disu warned that the rapid deployment of emerging technologies by organised criminal groups now poses a serious challenge to global security and requires stronger international policing cooperation.
The IGP spoke at the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit, UNCOPS 2026, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from July 7 to July 8.
The summit brought together ministers, inspectors-general of police, police chiefs and senior representatives of regional and international policing organisations to develop a common strategy for strengthening global peace, security and sustainable development through collaboration between national police services and United Nations policing structures.
Addressing delegates, Disu said organised criminal groups were increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence, encrypted communication tools and cyber-enabled platforms to expand their operations across borders, making conventional policing methods less effective.
He noted that while technology has become indispensable to modern policing through artificial intelligence, digital forensics and geospatial intelligence, public trust remains the foundation of effective law enforcement.
According to him, technological innovation in policing must be guided by transparency, accountability, respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the IGP called for deeper international cooperation, greater investment in police capacity building and equitable access to advanced digital policing tools.
Disu said developing countries must not be left behind in the deployment of modern technologies needed to confront evolving security threats.
“The benefits of technological advancement must be shared by all nations if the global community is to effectively confront terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime and other transnational security challenges,” he said.
The police chief also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting international peacekeeping operations and strengthening cooperation with law enforcement agencies across the world.
He said Nigeria would continue to work with international partners in the fight against terrorism, cybercrime, organised crime and other emerging threats.
According to him, Nigeria’s participation in UNCOPS 2026 reflects the country’s determination to contribute meaningfully to global security through stronger international policing partnerships and collective action against transnational crime.
