Enugu govt, Police train security agents on tech-driven policing

Enugu State is bolstering its security apparatus by integrating advanced technology and comprehensive training for its law enforcement personnel. The state government, in collaboration with the police, recently concluded a five-day training program aimed at equipping security agents with the skills needed for tech-driven policing.

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Most crimes today are technologically generated. To effectively combat them, law enforcement agencies must deploy technology and acquire the necessary skills to use it.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Training and Development), Mr. Ifeanyi Uche, lauded Governor Peter Mbah's administration for its significant investment in manpower development and modern security infrastructure. This includes a Command and Control Centre, surveillance systems, drones, and other high-tech crime-fighting tools. The training, themed “Building Smarter, Safer and Secure Communities,” specifically focused on data gathering and cybersecurity, with facilitators from INTERPOL and the NPF National Cybercrime Centre.

AIG Uche emphasized that criminal activities have shifted from conventional offenses to technology-driven crimes. He stated, “Most crimes today are technologically generated. To effectively combat them, law enforcement agencies must deploy technology and acquire the necessary skills to use it.” He expressed deep admiration for Enugu State's technological infrastructure, noting it as a key reason for the state's reputation as one of Nigeria's safest. He highlighted the state's use of technology in crime fighting as "wonderful" and commended the governor's efforts.

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I have seen firsthand the technological infrastructure that we have on the ground here in Enugu State. I can tell you clearly that I am so impressed with what I have seen. That is why, outside here, we all know that Enugu State is one of the safest states in Nigeria. And the testament is what I’ve seen today.

The training aimed to align personnel capabilities with available technology, covering data protection, extraction, analysis, cybersecurity, and the application of digital tools in intelligence gathering and crime detection. Dr. Olasoji Akinbayo, Commander of the Enugu State Forest Guards, added that the program would enhance intelligence gathering, data management, and inter-agency collaboration, ultimately improving security operations across the state through effective data collection and analysis.

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The old era of analogue ways of fighting crime has gone. With what we have on the ground, such as hi-tech drones and a Command and Control Centre that sees all the nooks and crannies of the state, it’s wonderful and I commend the governor for doing a good job.