IGP Disu Launches New App, CUG Network to Fight Rising Crime

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has launched two new technology platforms aimed at improving crime reporting, strengthening communication within the Nigeria Police Force and making policing more responsive to the public.

The platforms are the Nigeria Police Force Vigilant App and the NPF-MTN Closed User Group (CUG) Network. Disu unveiled the initiatives on Tuesday at the NPF Conference Centre in Jabi, Abuja.

The launch forms part of efforts by the police leadership to expand the use of technology in policing, particularly as criminals increasingly rely on digital platforms to carry out fraudulent activities and share information.

The Vigilant App is designed to give members of the public a more direct channel to the police.

It will allow users to report suspected financial fraud, submit supporting evidence, monitor the progress of their complaints and receive feedback.

The application was developed by the Force ICT Department in collaboration with stakeholders in the financial services sector.

Its introduction is expected to reduce some of the difficulties involved in reporting financial crimes and improve the flow of information between victims and law enforcement agencies.

Speaking at the launch, Disu said the changing nature of crime had made the adoption of technology necessary for effective policing.

“The policing environment is changing rapidly. Crime is becoming more sophisticated, information moves faster, and citizens increasingly expect public institutions to be accessible and responsive to technology. The Nigeria Police Force must, therefore, evolve with these realities,” he said.

The Inspector-General said technology would remain central to his administration’s approach to policing.

He said the Force must use available digital tools to improve its ability to gather information, respond to incidents and maintain closer contact with citizens.

According to him, the overall objective is to build “a technology-driven, intelligence-led, and people-centred police force.”

Disu also explained that the new application would help strengthen the partnership between the police and members of the public.

“The police cannot be everywhere at the same time, but through technology and partnership with citizens, we can significantly expand our capacity to prevent and respond to crimes,” he said.

The IGP said information supplied through the platform would be treated with confidentiality.

He also warned personnel responsible for handling reports to maintain professionalism and integrity in managing information received from members of the public.

The focus on financial fraud comes as the police continue to deal with crimes that increasingly involve digital transactions, electronic communication and other technology-based methods.

The new reporting channel is expected to make it easier for victims and members of the public to provide information that could assist investigations.

The Force said users would also be able to upload evidence when making reports. This could include relevant documents or other supporting material that may help investigators understand the complaint and determine the appropriate course of action.

The second initiative unveiled by Disu is the NPF-MTN Closed User Group Network.

The CUG is designed as a dedicated communication system for police personnel across the country.

It is expected to provide officers and police formations with more affordable and reliable communication, particularly when information needs to be passed quickly between commands and operational units.

Disu stressed the importance of quick communication in police operations. He noted that a delay in passing information could affect the ability of officers to respond effectively to security situations.

He described the network as more than an operational communication tool, saying it also has a welfare component for police personnel.

The Inspector-General said officers who are properly connected and supported would be in a stronger position to carry out their responsibilities and serve members of the public effectively.

The CUG network is expected to support communication between police commands, formations and specialised units. It could also assist officers during emergencies where quick coordination is required.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Information and Communication Technology, Fayoade Adegoke, also spoke at the event.

Adegoke said the launch demonstrated the growing importance of technology to modern policing.

He said the Force was moving towards systems that would make police services more accessible while improving the speed at which information is received and processed.

He explained that the Vigilant App would allow citizens to report incidents and provide evidence through their mobile devices. This could reduce the need for complainants to physically visit police stations before initiating the reporting process.

The event brought together representatives of several government institutions and private-sector organisations.

Those present included representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Communications Commission, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders.

Representatives of MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technology Limited and TIMS International Limited also attended the event as technical partners.