The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has called for stronger international police cooperation to combat transnational crime, terrorism and cyber threats, saying no country can tackle today’s evolving security challenges alone.
Disu made the call while participating in the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from July 7 to 8.
The summit brought together ministers, inspectors-general of police, police chiefs and senior representatives of regional and professional policing organisations from across the world to discuss strategies for strengthening international peace, security and sustainable development through enhanced collaboration between national police services and United Nations policing.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the Inspector-General stressed that modern criminal networks were increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence, encrypted communications and cyber-enabled platforms to carry out sophisticated cross-border crimes, posing significant challenges to conventional policing methods.
“The Inspector-General noted that while technology presents enormous opportunities for law enforcement through artificial intelligence, digital forensics and geospatial intelligence, public trust remains the foundation of effective policing,” the statement said.
Disu emphasised that technological innovation must be deployed in ways that reinforce transparency, accountability, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law.
The IGP also advocated greater international cooperation, capacity building and equitable access to digital policing capabilities, stressing that the benefits of technological advancement should not be restricted to only a few technologically advanced nations.
“No nation can effectively confront today’s evolving security threats in isolation. Strengthening international police cooperation, expanding capacity building and ensuring equitable access to digital policing tools are essential to combating transnational crime, terrorism, cybercrime and other emerging security challenges,” the statement quoted the Inspector-General as saying.
The police chief reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting global peacekeeping efforts and strengthening partnerships with international law enforcement agencies to address cross-border criminal activities.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s participation at UNCOPS 2026 underscores the country’s continued commitment to promoting international peace and security, enhancing law enforcement cooperation and contributing to collective global efforts aimed at tackling terrorism, cybercrime, transnational organised crime and other emerging threats.
The statement added that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to adopting global best practices, leveraging technology responsibly and fostering partnerships that enhance public safety while upholding the principles of accountability, professionalism and the rule of law.
