Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has called for stronger collaboration between security institutions, community organisations, and citizens to effectively tackle Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and promote sustainable national development.
The police chief made the call while speaking at the Rotary/Rotaract District Joint DISCON AKUGBE’26 held at the Cathelea Convention & Event Center, Edo State, where he stressed that modern security threats now extend far beyond conventional crimes.
Addressing participants at the conference themed, “Peace, Security and Sustainable Development: How Rotary Builds Stronger Communities Through Strategic Partnerships,” the IGP said contemporary security challenges now include terrorism, cybercrime, organised criminal networks, cultism, misinformation, economic sabotage, digital radicalisation, and social instability.
According to Disu, the changing nature of criminal activities requires law enforcement agencies to continually evolve technologically, operationally, and strategically.
“Modern policing can no longer rely on outdated methods while criminals continue to evolve technologically and operationally,” the IGP stated.
“The security landscape has changed significantly. Today, threats are not limited to armed robbery or street crimes alone. We are now dealing with cybercrime, identity theft, online fraud, misinformation, organised criminal networks, attacks on critical infrastructure, and digital radicalisation.”
He assured Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to confronting emerging threats through intelligence-led, technology-driven, and people-focused policing strategies.
According to him, the Force is currently undergoing comprehensive reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency, accountability, professionalism, and public confidence.
“The Nigeria Police Force is repositioning itself through improved intelligence gathering, digital policing, inter-agency collaboration, tactical modernization, operational accountability, and enhanced professionalism across commands and formations,” he said.
Disu emphasized that public trust remains central to effective policing and sustainable security management.
“Security cannot thrive where there is distrust between the people and law enforcement agencies,” he stated.
“Our officers must continue to embody courage, integrity, restraint, discipline, and service in the discharge of their duties because public confidence is one of the strongest weapons in effective policing.”
The IGP reaffirmed the Force’s determination to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence, cybercrime, trafficking, attacks on critical infrastructure, and other threats to national stability.
He, however, noted that enforcement alone cannot guarantee sustainable peace and security.
“Security cannot be sustained through force alone,” he said.
“Poverty, hopelessness, unemployment, and lack of opportunities often create environments where crime, extremism, and social instability thrive. This is why community partnership and social intervention remain very important.”
Disu described organisations such as Rotary International and Rotaract as strategic partners in nation-building due to their investments in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, peace building, and humanitarian interventions.
According to him, empowering young people remains one of the most effective ways of reducing crime and instability in society.
“When young people are empowered with opportunities, mentorship, education, and hope, they are less vulnerable to criminal recruitment and extremist influences,” he said.
“Frustrated and neglected youths are often easy targets for criminal gangs and violent groups.”
The IGP commended Rotaract members for promoting leadership, innovation, discipline, and responsible citizenship among young Nigerians.
He also reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s readiness to support initiatives aimed at youth development, peacebuilding, and community advancement across the country.
Speaking further on emerging security threats, Disu warned that the future battlefield of security now extends deeply into the digital space.
“The threats posed by cybercrime, online fraud, identity theft, misinformation, and digital radicalisation are growing rapidly,” he stated.
“That is why the Force is investing in cyber intelligence, digital investigations, technology integration, and capacity building to ensure we remain proactive and effective.”
The IGP called for greater national unity and collective responsibility in addressing security challenges confronting the country.
“Sustainable peace, security, and development can only be achieved when citizens, institutions, communities, and security agencies work together with a shared sense of responsibility,” he added.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to reform, modernization, professionalism, accountability, and lawful policing.
“We remain fully committed to protecting the peace, stability, unity, and democratic values of our country,” the IGP assured.
The event attracted Rotary and Rotaract leaders, members of the diplomatic and business communities, security stakeholders, and other distinguished guests committed to advancing peace, security, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
