Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, launched the two initiatives at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja, describing them as important milestones in the Force’s ongoing digital transformation.
Disu said the changing security environment and increasing sophistication of criminal activities had made technology an essential component of modern policing.
According to him, the police must continually adopt innovative solutions to become faster, more accessible and effective in protecting citizens.
“The rapidly changing security environment, increasing sophistication of crime and growing public expectations require the police to embrace technology in order to become faster, smarter, more accessible and effective,” the IGP said.
He explained that the Vigilant App was developed to strengthen direct communication between citizens and the police, allowing members of the public to report suspicious activities, provide useful information and seek assistance when necessary.
Disu noted that timely and reliable information remains critical to crime prevention and investigation.
“Citizens who can easily communicate with the police are better positioned to report suspicious activities, provide useful information and seek assistance when necessary,” he said.
The IGP assured Nigerians that information submitted through the platform would be treated responsibly, investigated appropriately and protected in line with the law.
He urged members of the public to use the application responsibly, stressing that technology could help the police expand their reach despite the impossibility of having officers physically present everywhere.
“Although the police cannot be everywhere at the same time, technology and partnership with citizens can significantly expand the Force’s capacity to prevent and respond to crime,” Disu said.
On the MTN CUG network, the IGP said the initiative was designed to strengthen communication among police personnel nationwide, particularly during emergencies, investigations and operational deployments.
He said effective communication was essential to coordinating the activities of a police organisation with commands, formations, divisions and specialised units spread across the country.
Disu described the CUG service as a dedicated and cost-effective communication platform that would also contribute to the welfare of police officers by helping them remain connected with their families.
“The welfare of a police officer is inseparable from the effectiveness of the police,” he said.
“An officer who is better connected, better informed and better supported is better positioned to serve effectively.”
The IGP commended MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technologies Limited and other partners for their contributions to the implementation of the initiatives.
He stressed that technology would complement, rather than replace, professional policing by providing officers with better tools for intelligence gathering, communication and decision-making.
“Technology cannot replace professional policing but must serve as a tool to empower officers to obtain and share intelligence, communicate effectively, make informed decisions and serve citizens more efficiently,” Disu said.
He also emphasised that technological innovations within the police system must be deployed responsibly, lawfully and ethically, with adequate safeguards for citizens’ rights and privacy.
“ As technology and criminality continue to evolve, policing must also evolve,” the IGP added.
Earlier, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Information and Communication Technology, DIG Fayoade Mustapha Adegoke, said the introduction of the platforms demonstrated the growing importance of technology in contemporary law enforcement.
Adegoke explained that the Vigilant App would enable Nigerians to transmit reports and suspicious activity directly to the police through their mobile devices, reducing the need for physical visits to police stations.
He said users would also be able to provide relevant information and evidence that could assist investigations and improve police response.
According to the DIG, the initiative forms part of a wider effort to build a more connected and technologically advanced police institution.
He said the MTN CUG platform would similarly provide police personnel with affordable and reliable communication, which is essential for operational coordination, intelligence sharing and emergency response.
Adegoke appreciated MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technologies Limited and other partners for supporting the Force’s digital transformation programme.
The event was attended by senior police officers, representatives of MTN Nigeria, technology partners and other stakeholders.
