IGP Olatunji Disu says new digital platforms will strengthen public engagement, emergency response and internal coordination across the Nigeria Police Force

ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force has launched the NPF Vigilant App and the NPF–MTN Closed User Group (CUG) Network as part of efforts to improve the reporting of financial fraud, strengthen communication among police personnel and enhance overall service delivery.

The two digital initiatives were unveiled on Tuesday at the NPF Conference Centre in Jabi, Abuja, with senior police officers, government agencies, financial institutions, telecommunications companies and other stakeholders in attendance.

The Vigilant App, designed as a citizen-facing platform, allows members of the public to report suspected cases of financial fraud directly to the police. Users can submit complaints, upload supporting evidence, monitor the progress of reported cases and receive feedback through the platform.

According to the police, the application was developed by the Force Information and Communication Technology Department in collaboration with stakeholders in the financial services sector.

The platform is expected to facilitate better coordination between the police and relevant institutions involved in combating financial crimes, while ensuring that reported cases are handled in accordance with existing laws, regulations and established procedures.

The second initiative, the NPF–MTN CUG Network, is designed to provide police personnel across the country with secure and affordable on-network communication.

The police said the network would improve communication between officers, particularly during emergencies and operations requiring rapid coordination and response.

Speaking at the launch, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, described the two platforms as practical components of the Force's ongoing digital transformation programme.

Disu said the Vigilant App would provide the police with a more effective channel for engaging citizens and receiving reports of suspected financial fraud, while the CUG Network would strengthen communication within the Force.

He said the initiatives would help make the Nigeria Police Force more connected, responsive and effective in carrying out its responsibilities.

The IGP stressed that technology must be deployed responsibly as the police embrace digital tools for professional policing.

He said the use of technology must remain within the framework of the law and be guided by ethical standards, respect for citizens' rights, privacy, data protection and accountability.

According to him, technology should serve as an enabler of professional policing rather than undermine public trust or individual rights.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Information and Communication Technology, Fayoade Mustapha, said the launch demonstrated the Force's commitment to developing practical technology-driven solutions to contemporary policing challenges.

Mustapha said the initiatives were designed not only to improve the quality of service provided to Nigerians but also to support police personnel in carrying out their duties more efficiently.

He urged members of the public to download the NPF Vigilant App from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and use it responsibly to report suspected financial fraud.

The DIG said greater public participation and timely information sharing would complement the efforts of law enforcement agencies in tackling financial crimes.

The launch brought together representatives of several government institutions and private-sector organisations involved in financial services, digital technology and policing.

Those in attendance included representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Police Service Commission (PSC), Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), financial institutions, fintech companies, MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technology Limited and TIMPH International Limited, among other partners.

The Nigeria Police Force acknowledged the contributions of its partners, particularly the CBN, Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, NIBSS, financial institutions, fintech companies and MTN Nigeria, towards the development and deployment of the new platforms.

The Force said the collaboration reflected the growing importance of partnerships between law enforcement agencies, government institutions and technology companies in addressing emerging security and financial crime challenges.

With the Vigilant App, the police are seeking to create a more accessible channel through which citizens can provide information and evidence relating to suspected financial fraud, while the MTN CUG Network is expected to strengthen operational communication among officers nationwide.

The initiatives form part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to incorporate digital technology into policing, improve interaction with citizens and enhance the speed and efficiency of its response to security and crime-related challenges.