The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has admitted that criminals operating across Nigeria have gained the upper hand over security agencies due to their advanced capabilities and resources. Speaking at Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, he urged the enhancement in frontline tools to effectively tackle these threats.
Addressing commanders of border patrol units from around the country, Egbetokun described the criminal groups as highly organised and well-funded, using sophisticated technology and maintaining international links. Their use of drones, forged documents and encrypted communication networks presents a considerable challenge, he said.
Every checkpoint you establish, every smuggling route you block, and every victim you rescue contributes to shaping Nigeria’s future…the threats we face are evolving daily. These groups have transformed into organised and well-resourced entities connected internationally. We cannot fight 21st-century crime with outdated methods. Embracing new technology is essential – IGP, Kayode Egbetokun
The police chief stressed the urgent need to incorporate modern technologies, such as biometric scanners, real-time surveillance and data analysis systems, to match the evolving nature of crime. He pointed out Nigeria’s extensive and complex borders, covering more than 4,000 kilometres of land and maritime boundaries, serve not only as channels for legitimate trade and cultural exchange but also as gateways for illicit activity.
Egbetokun warned that porous borders are exploited to smuggle illegal arms, flood local markets with contraband goods and facilitate trafficking of vulnerable individuals. He outlined some of the risks initiated by terrorists and criminal networks seeking to infiltrate and destabilise communities.
He concluded by pledging continued efforts to ensure frontline officers are equipped with the necessary resources to meet these challenges head-on, stressing the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s security infrastructure.
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