Police Use New Tech for 2027 Elections

The Nigeria Police Force is looking into artificial intelligence, data analytics, and other digital tools to improve crime prevention, investigations, and security management as the 2027 general elections approach.

This topic was a major focus on Tuesday, the second day of the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, known as CARSPO 2026, held in Owerri, Imo State.

The conference, themed "Developing a Nigerian Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections," gathered senior police officers and experts to discuss current policing issues and develop plans for managing security before, during, and after the upcoming elections.

Lenders Consult International organized the event, led by its Managing Director, Shina Philips. This initiative aims to provide a platform for police officers and experts to address new security challenges.

A key session on Tuesday was titled "Smart Policing: How AI and Digital Technologies Are Transforming Law Enforcement." Ross Alabo-George, the principal consultant at Proxy Logic Limited, delivered this presentation.

Mr Alabo-George encouraged the police to speed up their shift from traditional policing to intelligence-led and tech-driven crime prevention. He emphasized that proper processes and governance must back digital changes.

"You cannot digitise or transform digitally without a solid process," he stated.

He explained that smart policing should help the Force move from reacting to crimes to preventing them using intelligence, data, and technology.

"The police have to move from traditional policing methods and continue their trajectory into smart policing, which means moving from crime-first to prevention-first policing," he noted.

Mr Alabo-George pointed out that data integration, AI, analytics, performance management, and public trust are key elements of smart policing.

He mentioned that the police have started integrating data with some government agencies. However, they need to digitize their many records that are still on paper.

"The wider and most critical task is the data the police already have, sitting in drawers and lockers in hard-copy form. That has to be automated and digitised," he said.

He also cautioned that criminals might use digital technologies to spread false information and create unrest during the 2027 elections.

"With the elections coming next year, digital miscreants can use technology as a weapon. The police must be prepared for that reality," he warned.

Police Focus on Digital Transition

In response to the presentation, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu said the Force is already using technology in areas like facial recognition, CCTV analysis, and intelligence gathering.

"Talking about AI in policing is not new to us," Mr Disu said.

He explained that the Force has specialized tech teams and is using analytics to help with investigations, even though some of their capabilities cannot be shared publicly.

"I have seen instances where we have been able to solve cases through CCTV and facial recognition," he shared.

Mr Disu also revealed plans to introduce digital systems for taking police statements at selected stations. This is part of moving towards paperless policing.

"We have identified some police stations where we are going to start. Statements will be taken without you needing to write anything. The moment you make your complaint, it is written by itself," he said.

He mentioned that the Force is also working on a Nigeria Police AI-powered platform for the public to ask questions. Other projects include a digital crime diary and a police digital assets registry.

Election Security and Media Relations

Former Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba also gave a lecture titled "Election Security Governance: Role of the Nigeria Police, Challenges and Way Forward for the 2027 General Elections."

This lecture looked at the police’s role in ensuring a secure environment for voters, electoral officials, and others involved in the electoral process.

Another session was led by media expert Reuben Abati on "Managing Media Relations: Communication Skills for Police Managers." This session covered effective communication and the role of police managers in sharing information responsibly with the public.

Retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Fimihan Adeoye also spoke about "Law Enforcement Guidance for Policing Public Demonstrations and Protests in Nigeria," focusing on professional policing and respect for citizens’ rights.

The second day also included strategic discussions and an interactive session with Mr Disu. Senior officers talked about operational readiness, strategic communication, and new security threats.

CARSPO 2026 started on Monday with a warning from Mr Disu that police officers must stay neutral politically as the 2027 elections approach.

"We protect citizens and enforce the law. We do not decide political outcomes," Mr Disu said.

The conference, which ends on Wednesday, aims to produce recommendations to improve policing practices, inter-agency cooperation, and election security management ahead of the 2027 general elections.