The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has unveiled the Vigilant App and MTN Closed User Group (CUG) network as part of efforts to strengthen technology-driven policing, improve communication and enhance collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and members of the public.
The two initiatives were unveiled at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja, with the IGP describing them as significant steps towards building a more responsive, technologically enabled and people-oriented police force.
Speaking at the event, IGP Disu said 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.
He explained that the Vigilant App was designed to bring the police closer to the people by strengthening communication, information sharing and engagement between citizens and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, effective policing depends significantly on the quality, timeliness and reliability of information available to security agencies.
The IGP noted that 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 platform represents another step in the Force's commitment to making policing more accessible and responsive, stressing that personnel responsible for managing the platform must deploy it with professionalism, integrity and respect for the law.
IGP Disu assured that information received through the platform would be handled responsibly, investigated diligently and protected appropriately.
He therefore urged members of the public to embrace the initiative and use it responsibly, noting that although the police cannot be everywhere at the same time, technology and partnership with citizens could significantly expand the Force's capacity to prevent and respond to crime.
As a nationwide organisation with commands, formations, divisions and specialised units across the country, IGP Disu said the Nigeria Police Force requires reliable and efficient communication to effectively coordinate its activities.
He explained that the MTN CUG network would provide a dedicated and cost-effective communication platform for police personnel.
Beyond its operational benefits, the IGP said the initiative also carries an important welfare dimension, as officers need to remain connected not only with colleagues but also with their families and loved ones.
“The welfare of a police officer is inseparable from the effectiveness of the police,” he said, adding that an officer who is better connected, better informed and better supported is better positioned to serve effectively.
IGP Disu commended MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technologies Limited and other partners for their contributions towards the successful implementation of the initiatives.
He also emphasised the need for all technological innovations within the police system to be deployed lawfully, professionally and ethically, with adequate protection for the rights and privacy of citizens.
According to him, the launch marks another important step in the ongoing digital transformation of the Nigeria Police Force.
“As technology and criminality continue to evolve, policing must also evolve,” the IGP said.
He added that the Force would continue to pursue strategic partnerships with government institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders whose expertise and resources could strengthen the capacity of the police to protect Nigerians.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Information and Communication Technology, DIG Fayoade Mustapha Adegoke, said the launch of the Vigilant App and MTN CUG reflects the growing importance of technology in modern policing.
He noted that the digital age has transformed how information is generated, shared and acted upon, making it necessary for security institutions to adopt innovative solutions capable of responding to emerging threats in real time.
DIG Adegoke explained that the Vigilant App would enable citizens to report incidents and suspicious activities directly through their mobile devices, reducing the need for physical visits to police stations before important information can be transmitted.
He said the platform would also support the submission of relevant evidence and information that could assist police investigations and improve response to security incidents.
The DIG described the initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen the digital capacity of the Nigeria Police Force and improve interaction between law enforcement personnel and the communities they serve.
He also highlighted the importance of the MTN CUG platform in supporting affordable and reliable communication among police personnel across the country.
According to him, effective communication remains critical to operational coordination, intelligence sharing and emergency response.
DIG Adegoke expressed appreciation to MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technologies Limited and other technology partners for supporting the Nigeria Police Force in its drive towards digital transformation.
He said the collaboration represents a commitment to building a smarter, more connected and technologically advanced police force capable of meeting contemporary security challenges.
The event brought together senior police officers, representatives of MTN Nigeria, technology partners and other stakeholders.
