The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has assured Nigerians of improved cybersecurity measures to protect the nation’s digital space and stimulate economic growth.
On Thursday, the IGP received the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, Mr. Tokoni Peter Igoin, alongside top executives from PalmPay, OPay, and TrikaHealth, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting centered on enhancing collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the financial technology industry in combating cybercrime.
The fintech leaders pledged full support for the IGP’s vision to leverage Artificial Intelligence and other advanced technologies for policing, security, and digital safety. They commended the Police Force for creating a secure operational environment that fosters innovation and boosts investor confidence.
Highlighting ongoing projects, the delegation revealed that a state-of-the-art NPF National Cybercrime Centre in Bayelsa State is now ready for commissioning, as part of the IGP’s decentralization plan to strengthen cybercrime response across all states.
The IGP expressed appreciation for the sector’s commitment, stressing that protecting fintech platforms is crucial for safeguarding citizens, businesses, and Nigeria’s economic stability. He affirmed that with sustained collaboration and technological deployment, the Force will be better equipped to tackle cyber threats.
In a related engagement, the IGP also hosted Ph.D. holders and postgraduate alumni of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Al Hikmah University, Ilorin. The group, which includes senior military officers, lawyers, and security experts, commended his leadership in peacebuilding, community policing, and technology-driven crime fighting. They pledged intellectual collaboration to deepen strategies for effective policing.
Reaffirming his commitment to partnerships, the IGP said the Police Force remains open to working with stakeholders, including academia, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda to achieve a safer and more secure Nigeria.