The Nigeria Police Force says it has upgraded its Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) with new surveillance technologies and training to strengthen intelligence-led policing and combat rising violent crime.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, says in a statement that Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, “has acquired state-of-the-art technological devices and applications for the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) to aid them in crime detection, prevention and swift arrest of criminals.”

The Police spokesman adds that the IGP “has also directed the commencement of comprehensive training programmes for personnel of the Force’s Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) in line with global intelligence standards.”

“These rigorous training programs,” Adejobi explains, “are designed to equip them with the prerequisite knowledge to operate the newly deployed technologies, ensuring the Force remains adaptable and capable in the face of evolving criminal trends and practices.”

The spokesman says the new approach follows shifts in global and local crime patterns. “The continuous change in crime dynamics globally and within Nigeria informs the timely and consistent efforts of the IGP at improving and upscaling police crime fighting approach to intelligence and technology driven.”

He links recent breakthroughs to the revamped policing strategy. “The recent successes recorded, including the arrest of notorious arms peddling gang operating in Benue, Taraba, Adamawa and, Plateau States, and numerous arrests in recent weeks are all gains of the improved effectiveness of our intelligence-led policing.”

The IGP is also committing to broader reforms to counter evolving threats. “The Inspector-General of Police therefore reaffirms the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force under his leadership to emplacing measures to prevent crimes and criminality across the country while assuring Nigerians of robust response to emerging security threats,” Adejobi says.

The TIU upgrade comes as Nigeria faces complex internal security challenges, ranging from arms smuggling to terrorism. In 2024, the Global Organized Crime Index ranked Nigeria sixth worldwide in criminality, citing widespread trafficking, cybercrime, and kidnapping for ransom.