The Nigeria Police Force is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and other digital technologies to enhance crime prevention, investigations, and security management in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This strategic move was highlighted at the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026), held in Owerri, Imo State. The conference, themed “Developing a Nigerian Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections,” brought together senior police officers and experts to address contemporary policing challenges.
A major session at the conference focused on “Smart Policing: How AI and Digital Technologies Are Transforming Law Enforcement,” delivered by Ross Alabo-George, principal consultant at Proxy Logic Limited. Mr. Alabo-George emphasized the need for the police to transition from traditional policing to intelligence-led and technology-driven crime prevention. He stressed that sound processes and governance are crucial for digital transformation, noting that “you cannot digitize or transform digitally without a solid process.”
Mr. Alabo-George identified data integration, AI and analytics, performance management, and public trust as key pillars of smart policing. He highlighted that while the police have begun integrating data with some government agencies, they still need to digitize their large volume of physical records. Additionally, he warned that criminal elements could exploit digital technologies to spread misinformation and create tension during the 2027 elections, emphasizing the need for the police to be prepared for this reality.
Responding to the presentation, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, stated that the Force is already deploying technology in areas such as facial recognition, CCTV analysis, and intelligence gathering. He disclosed that the Force has specialized technology teams and uses analytics to support investigations. Mr. Disu also mentioned plans to introduce digital systems for taking police statements in selected stations as part of a transition towards paperless policing.
The conference also featured a lecture by former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, on “Election Security Governance: Role of the Nigeria Police, Challenges and Way Forward for the 2027 General Elections.” The lecture examined the police’s responsibility for providing a secure environment for voters, electoral officials, and other participants throughout the electoral process. Another session was delivered by media personality Reuben Abati on “Managing Media Relations: Communication Skills for Police Managers.”
The second day of the conference included strategic discussions and an interactive session with Mr. Disu, where senior officers examined operational preparedness, strategic communication, and emerging security threats. CARSPO 2026 opened on Monday with a warning from Mr. Disu that police officers must remain politically neutral ahead of the 2027 elections. The conference is expected to produce recommendations to strengthen policing practice, inter-agency coordination, and election security management.
The event, coordinated by Lenders Consult International and led by its Managing Director, Shina Philips, aims to provide a platform for senior police officers and experts to examine emerging security challenges. The conference, which ends on Wednesday, will likely influence the Nigeria Police Force’s approach to security management during the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- The Nigeria Police Force is adopting AI and digital technologies to enhance crime prevention and security management ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The conference highlighted the need for sound processes and governance to support digital transformation in policing.
- The police are planning to introduce digital systems for taking statements and developing an AI-powered platform for public engagement.
