By Julius Peter
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has launched the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Vigilant App and the NPF-MTN Closed User Group (CUG) Network as part of efforts to deepen digital policing, strengthen financial fraud reporting and improve communication among police personnel nationwide.
The two technology-driven initiatives were unveiled on Tuesday at the NPF Conference Centre, Jabi, Abuja, with the police authorities describing them as significant steps towards making policing in Nigeria more accessible, responsive, coordinated and technology-driven.
The launch brought together key stakeholders from the financial, telecommunications and security sectors, including representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, the Police Service Commission, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), financial institutions, fintech companies, MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technology Limited, TIMPH International Limited and other strategic partners.
The NPF Vigilant App, developed by the Force ICT Department in collaboration with stakeholders within the financial-services ecosystem, is designed to provide members of the public with a more accessible channel for reporting suspected financial fraud and related incidents.
Through the application, users can submit reports, upload supporting evidence, monitor the progress of their complaints and receive feedback, thereby providing a structured digital channel through which suspected financial crimes can be brought to the attention of the police and relevant institutions.
The initiative is expected to enhance the speed and efficiency of fraud reporting while improving coordination between the police, financial institutions, fintech companies and other relevant agencies in accordance with existing laws and established procedures.
Speaking at the launch, IGP Disu described the two initiatives as practical milestones in the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing digital-transformation programme.
According to him, the Vigilant App would strengthen engagement between the police and members of the public by creating a more convenient mechanism for reporting suspected financial crimes, while the NPF-MTN CUG Network would improve communication and coordination among police personnel across the country.
The Inspector-General stressed that the overall objective was to build a police force that is more connected, responsive and effective in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
He said the deployment of technology in policing must, however, be undertaken within the framework of the law and with respect for fundamental rights, privacy, data protection and accountability.
The IGP further reaffirmed the commitment of the police leadership to sustained collaboration with government institutions, private-sector organisations and other stakeholders in deploying technology and innovation to improve public safety and national security.
The NPF-MTN CUG Network, which is the second major component of the initiative, is a dedicated communication platform designed to provide police personnel nationwide with secure and affordable on-net communication.
The network is expected to strengthen communication between commands, formations and units, particularly during emergencies and operations requiring rapid exchange of information.
With police personnel operating across different parts of the country, the initiative is expected to facilitate more efficient internal communication, improve emergency coordination and support faster operational responses.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Information and Communication Technology, DIG Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha, said the initiatives demonstrated the determination of the Force to deploy practical technology-based solutions to address operational and service-delivery challenges.
DIG Fayoade said the digital platforms would not only support police personnel in carrying out their duties but would also strengthen the relationship between the Force and the Nigerian public.
He urged Nigerians to take advantage of the NPF Vigilant App by downloading it from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and using the platform responsibly to report suspected financial fraud.
The development comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over financial fraud, cyber-enabled crimes and the increasing use of digital platforms for both legitimate transactions and criminal activities.
By providing a dedicated digital channel for reporting suspected financial fraud, the police authorities hope to improve the early identification of fraudulent activities and facilitate more effective collaboration with financial institutions and other stakeholders.
The involvement of institutions such as the CBN, NIBSS, banks and fintech companies is also expected to enhance the flow of relevant information and improve institutional coordination in responding to fraud complaints.
The police authorities emphasised that the Vigilant App is intended to complement existing reporting and investigative mechanisms rather than replace established legal and institutional procedures.
The initiative also reflects the growing recognition by law-enforcement agencies that technology has become an essential component of modern policing, particularly in an environment where criminals increasingly exploit digital platforms and sophisticated financial technologies.
The NPF leadership said responsible deployment of technology would remain a key part of its efforts to improve service delivery, while ensuring that citizens’ rights and privacy are protected.
The Force also expressed appreciation to the CBN, Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, NIBSS, financial institutions, fintech companies, MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technology Limited, TIMPH International Limited and other partners for their contributions towards the successful development and launch of the initiatives.
The Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to pursue strategic partnerships and innovative solutions aimed at improving policing services and strengthening public confidence.
The launch of the Vigilant App and the NPF-MTN CUG Network therefore marks another phase in the Force’s digital transformation agenda, with the police authorities expressing the expectation that the initiatives will enhance public participation in crime reporting, improve internal communication and ultimately contribute to a more effective and people-centred policing system.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to deploying innovation and strategic partnerships to provide more accessible, responsive, people-centred and effective policing services to Nigerians.
