In a country where security challenges continue to evolve, the need for a modern, intelligence-driven police force has never been greater. At the recently held fifth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, top police officials, government representatives, and international security experts came together to chart a new course for law enforcement in Nigeria. With a focus on intelligence-led policing, technological advancements, and public trust, the conference produced a roadmap for a more effective and accountable Nigeria Police Force, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports
Just last February, in the historic city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, senior police officers from across Nigeria gathered for the fifth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO). As organised by Mr. Shina Philips of Lenders Consult, the goal was to enhance dedication to advancing policing through intelligence, technology, and inclusive security strategies.
It was a defining moment, not just for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) but for the country’s security landscape as the theme, “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity through Inclusive Policing,” set the tone for a robust discussion on the future of law enforcement in a nation grappling with complex security challenges.
Amidst the deliberations, one message stood out: Nigeria must transition to an intelligence-led and technology-driven policing system. This was the crux of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address, delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The President emphasised that security reforms must go hand in hand with economic development, urging law enforcement agencies to embrace modern crime-fighting tools and strategies.
Also, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun echoed this vision, making it clear that the era of reactive policing was over. In its place, he advocated for a proactive approach—one driven by intelligence gathering, digital surveillance, forensic investigations, and regional security cooperation.
Policing in the Digital Age
One of the most significant outcomes of the conference was the decision to fully embrace intelligence-led policing. For years, Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies have struggled with outdated methods that often left them a step behind criminals. That is set to change with the proposed integration of digital surveillance systems, advanced forensic investigation techniques, and data-driven decision-making tools.
The conference highlighted the need for a COMPSTAT performance management system, a technology that has revolutionised policing in several parts of the world by using crime data to allocate resources more effectively. There were also commitments to expand the National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) to combat the growing threats of cyber fraud, terrorism financing, and digital scams.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, gave a glimpse of what the future of policing could look like when he announced the state’s investment in high-tech surveillance drones. These drones, equipped with facial and number plate recognition technology, can monitor criminal activity from an astonishing 8,000 kilometres away. The hope is that such initiatives will soon be replicated across Nigeria.
The Human Side of Law Enforcement
Beyond technology, the conference also brought to light the pressing need to address the mental health and welfare of police officers. The challenges of policing in Nigeria—ranging from violent confrontations with criminals to long, gruelling shifts—have taken a toll on officers, many of whom struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout.
To address this, the NPF resolved to establish structured mental health support services, including counselling units staffed by trained psychologists. The conference also saw renewed commitment to reintroducing an eight-hour duty shift, replacing the long, exhausting hours that often compromise efficiency. Additionally, pre-retirement counselling programmes will now be expanded to help officers transition smoothly into civilian life.
Security Beyond Borders
The complexities of modern crime mean that Nigeria’s security cannot be handled in isolation. At the conference, security chiefs from Rwanda and Kenya shared their experiences on regional cooperation and intelligence-sharing. Rwanda’s Inspector-General of Police, Felix Namuhoranye, and Kenya’s Inspector-General, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, stressed the importance of partnerships in tackling transnational organised crime.
One of the key resolutions was a commitment to strengthening collaborations with security agencies across Africa. The Nigeria Police Force will deepen its engagement with the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to share intelligence on criminal networks operating across borders. Plans are also in place to enhance training exchanges between Nigerian police officers and their counterparts in other African countries.
Cracking Down on Financial Crimes
Another major concern was Nigeria’s position on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List, a designation linked to concerns over money laundering and terrorism financing. The conference acknowledged that financial crimes have become a major threat to national security and economic stability.
To tackle this, the NPF pledged to work more closely with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in tracking illicit financial transactions. There will be increased investment in digital forensic capabilities to monitor online fraud and money laundering schemes. In addition, the police will strengthen their cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to dismantle financial crime networks operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Bridging the Trust Gap
One of the biggest challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force is the issue of public trust. Many citizens remain sceptical of law enforcement agencies, a sentiment shaped by years of perceived corruption, inefficiency, and human rights abuses. The conference made it clear that rebuilding trust would be central to the success of any policing reform.
To this end, the NPF resolved to improve citizen engagement through local security partnerships. Annual policing plans will be introduced to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that communities have a clearer understanding of law enforcement priorities. In an effort to reshape the next generation’s perception of the police, anti-crime clubs will be established in schools to educate young Nigerians about security and law enforcement.
Training for the Future
The importance of modernising police training also took centre stage at the retreat. With the nature of crime evolving rapidly, it has become clear that traditional training methods are no longer sufficient. The conference called for an overhaul of the police training curriculum to include courses on cybercrime, intelligence analysis, and forensic science.
The NPF also plans to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to accredit police training programmes, ensuring that officers can obtain recognised diplomas and degrees. This move is expected to encourage specialisation within the force, allowing officers to develop expertise in critical areas such as financial crime investigations and counterterrorism.
A Defining Moment for Nigerian Policing
The resolutions from the 5th CARSPO conference are ambitious, but they represent a bold step towards a more efficient and trusted Nigeria Police Force. By embracing intelligence-led policing, investing in officer welfare, strengthening regional collaborations, and adopting cutting-edge technology, Nigeria is charting a new course in law enforcement.
The true test, however, lies in implementation. The success of these initiatives will depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, and a deep commitment from both the police leadership and government stakeholders. If these reforms are executed effectively, they could not only transform policing in Nigeria but also serve as a model for security agencies across Africa.
