The Nigerian Police Force has unveiled the Police Force Vigilant App and the MTN Closed User Group (CUG) Network as part of efforts to strengthen public engagement, internal communication and the fight against increasingly sophisticated crimes.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, unveiled the initiatives in Abuja, describing them as another significant step towards building a more responsive, technology-driven and people-oriented police force.
According to the IGP, the changing nature of crime and the speed at which information travels have made it necessary for the police to embrace technology.
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“The policing environment is changing rapidly. Crime is becoming more sophisticated. Information moves faster, and citizens increasingly expect public institutions to be accessible and respond to technology,” Disu stated.
He explained that the Vigilant App was designed to improve communication between the police and members of the public by enhancing information sharing and citizen engagement.
The IGP urged Nigerians to use the platform responsibly to report suspicious activities, provide useful information and seek assistance when necessary.
Disu also charged officers managing the platform to operate with professionalism and integrity, stressing that information received through the system must be handled responsibly, investigated diligently and protected appropriately.
“The police cannot be everywhere at the same time, but through technology and partnership with the citizens, we can significantly expand our capability to prevent and respond to crimes,” he noted.
The second initiative, the MTN CUG Network, is aimed at strengthening communication among police commands, formations, divisions and specialised units nationwide.
Disu observed that effective communication often determines the success of operations, emergency responses and investigations.
“In policing, information delayed can be information lost,” the IGP declared.
Beyond operational communication, he said the initiative also contained a welfare component that would enable officers to remain connected with colleagues, families and loved ones.
“An officer who is better connected, better informed, and better supported is better positioned to serve effectively,” Disu remarked.
The IGP maintained that technology would not replace police officers but would empower them to gather and share intelligence faster, communicate more effectively, make informed decisions and serve citizens better.
“My administration remains committed to technology-driven, intelligence-led and people-centred policing,” he affirmed.
Disu explained that although the two initiatives serve different purposes, they share a common objective of making the Nigerian Police Force more connected, responsive and effective.
Speaking on the Vigilant platform, Managing Director of Vigilant Technology Limited, Mr Victor Afolabi, described it as a response to the growing threat of digital crime.
Afolabi explained that the platform was developed to close the gap between victims, investigators and institutions through a secure and technology-driven system.
He described the platform as more than a reporting tool, noting that it could strengthen public confidence, improve investigative efficiency and position the Nigerian Police Force as a leader in digital security and innovation.
“To Nigerians everywhere, we assure you your safety is our priority. Your information is secure and your voice will be heard,” Afolabi stated.
Also speaking, Managing Director of TIMPH International Limited and representative of MTN, Hudah Lyns, said the project was driven by the belief that technology should solve practical problems and improve service delivery.
Lyns commended the Nigerian Police Force and MTN Nigeria for their partnership, describing the initiative as evidence of what could be achieved when organisations with a shared vision worked together.
She urged police personnel to regard the CUG as a tool designed to improve connectivity, communication and access to relevant services.
The launch marks another step in the Force’s digital transformation drive, with the police leadership pledging to deepen collaboration with government institutions, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders to strengthen its capacity to protect Nigerians in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
