Police Employ Innovation and Technology to Combat Insecurity
The Nigeria Police Force is poised to adopt innovation and technology as integral tools in their efforts to combat crime within the nation.
Mr. Babatunde Ishola, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 8, conveyed this strategic direction during his visit to the state capital of Kwara, Ilorin, on Wednesday, as part of his mission to familiarise himself with the state’s operations.
Mr. Ishola emphasized that the world is experiencing an unparalleled evolution, necessitating a corresponding evolution in policing to effectively counter the changing dynamics of criminal activities.
According to him, “Criminals today are more sophisticated, more organized and more ruthless than ever before.
“We will further leverage cutting-edge tools, data analytics and intelligence networks to stay one step ahead of those who seek to disrupt the peace.”
He elucidated that the police force intends to achieve this by implementing a vigorous and efficient process of gathering both human and technical intelligence, thereby bolstering their capabilities.
“By harnessing the power of technology, we can make our streets safer, our investigations more efficient and our communities more resilient,” Ishola added.
The AIG also mentioned that the security of schools and educational establishments is of utmost concern for the police force. They will continue to deploy all available human and material resources to address the increased threats that students, staff, and educational facilities have faced in recent times across the country.
To counteract the abduction of students, the police chief revealed the establishment of a dedicated team known as the Schools Protection Squad (SPS), which will function as an intervention unit operating throughout the nation.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi, during her speech, identified the prevailing crimes within the state, which encompass cultism, kidnapping, boundary disputes, communal conflicts, and farmer-herder clashes, among other commonplace societal issues.
She went on to highlight the proactive measures taken by the Kwara State police command in confronting the challenges posed by cultism and kidnappings, demonstrating exceptional determination in dealing with these issues.
“The support of the people and the determination of my men, have made taming these monsters less difficult to tackle.
“AIG sir, I want to inform you that the task of maintaining and sustaining peace and security in the state is so daunting, but the support of the traditional institutions in the state, under the chairmanship of the Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, and other traditional rulers, has helped in making our task easy.
The CP, who commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his support, said, “I can’t but also mention that the synergy among security services in the state, is top-notch, when it comes to issues of collaboration to deal with security issues.”
