IGP Disu Pushes Data-Driven Policing, Orders Improved Crime Database Management

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed investigators and heads of investigative units nationwide to prioritise the accurate collection and management of suspects’ information to enhance intelligence-led policing and strengthen criminal investigations across the country.

Disu gave the directive on Wednesday at the opening of a one-day Crime and Incident Database Impact Sensitisation Workshop organised by the Nigeria Police Force’s ICT Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The workshop focused on sensitising participants to the importance of the Suspects’ Information Capturing Process under the Nigeria Police Force Crime and Incident Database (NPF-ICD) Centre Project, an initiative aimed at improving crime analysis, intelligence gathering, evidence-based investigations, inter-agency cooperation and crime prevention.

Addressing participants, the police chief stressed that modern policing increasingly depends on timely, accurate and actionable data, noting that law enforcement agencies can no longer rely solely on traditional investigative methods.

He described the Crime and Incident Database Centre as a critical policing asset capable of improving investigative outcomes, tracking criminal trends, identifying repeat offenders, linking crimes committed across different jurisdictions and supporting informed operational and strategic decision-making.

According to the IGP, the database project is central to ongoing efforts to modernise the Nigeria Police Force through technology, innovation and intelligence-led strategies.

He urged police commands and formations across the country to ensure strict compliance with established procedures for capturing suspects’ information, adding that effective database management would enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the Force’s crime management architecture.

Disu also encouraged participants to actively engage in the workshop and develop practical solutions that would improve policing outcomes and support proactive crime-fighting efforts.

The Inspector-General reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to leveraging technology and innovation to improve service delivery, enhance public safety and build a more professional, accountable and citizen-focused police institution.