As security challenges continue to evolve across Nigeria, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has called on state governments to embrace technology-driven policing.
He described Enugu State’s AI-powered Command and Control Centre as a model that could transform crime prevention and improve public safety nationwide.
The IGP made the remarks after touring the facility in Enugu. He expressed surprise at the level of technology deployed by the state government.
According to him, similar security infrastructure should be established across Nigeria to strengthen surveillance and speed up emergency response.
His visit came on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Centre for DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation. The centre is a partnership between the Enugu State Government and Godfrey Okoye University.
The Enugu AI Command and Control Centre has attracted national attention because of its advanced surveillance technology. Moreover, the IGP believes the facility represents the future of modern policing in Nigeria.
Speaking during the tour, Disu praised Governor Peter Mbah‘s investment in security. He said the facility exceeded his expectations despite his previous experience with similar systems in Lagos.
“I must confess that I am surprised we have this kind of facility here in this state because you know I worked for Lagos. I know we had something like this in Lagos, but the advancement of this present one amazed me.”
According to him, the command centre provides security personnel with extensive monitoring capabilities across the state.
“This is a control room that has a lot of facilities with the ability to see almost everywhere in this state. There is no place that is left ungoverned from the control room. We can see the forest. We can zoom in I think over 40 per cent to be able to see far away. We can zoom in close to 30 kilometers away. That is great security.”
Furthermore, the police chief noted that artificial intelligence has become an important tool in modern law enforcement.
He explained that AI-powered cameras allow officers to monitor different locations simultaneously while responding quickly to emerging threats.
“I wish every state in Nigeria will come here and emulate what is happening. I have seen AI cameras. I have seen officers dedicated to certain areas of the state watching, seeing what is happening.”
“I have also seen records of the successes recorded through this control room. One more time, I wish all the states in Nigeria will come around, see what is happening here and emulate it.”
In addition, Disu commended the state’s Distress Response Squad (DRS), describing it as highly efficient and well-equipped.
The unit operates more than 150 security vehicles fitted with AI-enabled cameras. These vehicles are directly connected to the Command and Control Centre.
During the inspection, the IGP personally tested the response time of the squad.
“I moved around. I saw the state’s DRS and then we put them to test. They did not know I was listening to them. We put them to test. We asked them to move to a certain part of the town and within two, three, four minutes, they were there. It shows their efficiency.”
Meanwhile, Disu compared the performance of the DRS with the Rapid Response Force, where he previously served as commander.
“Then I am sure you know I was the former commander of the Rapid Response Force in Lagos too and then I do not want to mention here which is better whether the DRS here or the Rapid Response Force. But the most important thing is that they have shown efficiency. They have shown capacity and I thank the governor of this state for investing in security of the people of the state.”
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also joined the inspection of the facility.
Meanwhile, security experts have increasingly advocated the use of artificial intelligence, surveillance cameras and data analysis to improve policing across Nigeria.
The Enugu AI Command and Control Centre was officially inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu during his visit to the state on January 4, 2025.
Furthermore, the newly inaugurated DNA Forensics and Criminal Investigation Centre is expected to strengthen evidence-based investigations and improve the justice system.
