By Mark Izebhokhae
So far, Nigeria has not been doing badly in terms of embracing technology. In recent times, it has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in Africa. From fintech and health technology to agricultural innovation, more sectors are integrating digital solutions into their systems of operation, thereby enhancing efficiency, productivity, and service delivery.
As the nation rapidly advances towards a digital workspace, the Nigeria Police Force should not be left behind in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property while ensuring a safe and secure society. One would naturally expect that, at a time when virtually every sector of the Nigerian economy is harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence and digital automation, the Nigeria Police would also embrace these innovations to improve operational effectiveness and public trust.
Take, for instance, the routine stop-and-search operation. In many cases, police officers prevent motorists or pedestrians from recording their encounters. We have repeatedly witnessed officers attempting to seize mobile phones or intimidate individuals for documenting these interactions. Whether they possess the legal authority to do so is a subject deserving of an independent discourse.
In recent years, Nigerians have consistently spoken out against police brutality, extortion, and incessant harassment by some law enforcement personnel. The nationwide #EndSARS protests of 2020 remain an indelible chapter in our national history. Those demonstrations brought economic activities to a standstill and drew unprecedented international attention to the urgent need for police reform. The collective memory of those events remains as fresh as today’s Agege bread straight from the oven.
The message from citizens was unmistakable: accountability, justice, professionalism, and respect for human dignity. To achieve these objectives, the operational architecture of the Nigeria Police Force requires comprehensive modernization. Beyond upgrading communication equipment, firearms, and digital infrastructure, the Force should prioritize the deployment of AI-powered operational systems and body-worn cameras capable of recording both audio and video during official engagements.
Such technology would provide an objective account of police-citizen interactions, safeguard the rights of both officers and civilians, reduce false allegations, promote transparency, and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
Pause for a moment and picture a Nigerian police officer on active duty. Unfortunately, many citizens still visualize an officer improperly dressed, carrying a visibly intimidating assault rifle while operating in an environment that often appears disorganized rather than professional. Such imagery does little to inspire confidence in a modern democratic society. Professionalism is reflected not only in conduct but also in appearance, training, discipline, and the intelligent application of technology.
Creating a sustainable digital policing ecosystem demands more than procuring sophisticated equipment. It requires substantial investment in human capital development. Police personnel must undergo rigorous technological training, digital literacy programmes, cybersecurity awareness, ethical policing instruction, and continuous professional development to effectively utilize modern policing tools.
It is fitting to acknowledge the visionary leadership of the late former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, whose passing was a profound loss to the nation. During his tenure, he advocated for the adoption of lighter firearms, modern policing equipment, and technology-driven reforms. Regrettably, many of these forward-thinking recommendations were never fully implemented. Today, his vision appears more relevant than ever.
The Oxford Dictionary defines civilization as “a society in an advanced state of social development.” If Nigeria truly aspires to become a globally competitive digital economy, then modernizing the Nigeria Police Force cannot remain an afterthought. It is an indispensable component of national development, economic prosperity, and democratic consolidation.
The need for collaboration has never been more imperative. Government, the private technology sector, civil society organizations, development partners, and security experts must forge strategic partnerships to build a police institution that is intelligent, accountable, technologically empowered, and worthy of public confidence.
Investment in smart policing is not merely an expenditure; it is an investment in national security, economic stability, and the preservation of democratic values. A nation is ultimately judged not only by the sophistication of its technological innovations but also by the integrity of the institutions entrusted with enforcing its laws.
The Nigeria Police Force must therefore evolve from an institution constrained by obsolete operational methods into one defined by innovation, professionalism, transparency, and excellence. The future of policing is digital, and Nigeria cannot afford to remain anchored in the practices of the past while the rest of the world advances toward intelligent law enforcement.
Mark Izebhokhae is a public commentator, media, and tech enthusiast.
