IGP Disu launches NPF Vigilant App, MTN CUG network to strengthen fraud response, police communication

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has launched the Nigeria Police Force Vigilant App and the NPF–MTN Closed User Group (CUG) Network to strengthen financial fraud reporting, public engagement, secure police communication and operational response.

The two digital platforms were launched on Tuesday at the Nigeria Police Force Conference Centre in Jabi, Abuja.

According to a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the event was attended by representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), financial institutions, fintech companies, MTN Nigeria and other technology partners.

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The NPF Vigilant App is a citizen-focused digital platform developed by the Force ICT Department in collaboration with stakeholders in the financial services sector.

The platform is designed to enable Nigerians to promptly report suspected financial fraud, upload relevant evidence, track the progress of their cases and receive feedback from relevant authorities.

Police said the application would also support improved coordination between the Nigeria Police Force, financial institutions and other relevant agencies in responding to cases of financial fraud, in line with existing laws and procedures.

The NPF–MTN Closed User Group Network, on the other hand, is a dedicated communication platform designed to provide police personnel across the country with secure and affordable on-net communication.

The initiative is expected to improve communication between police commands and units, particularly during emergencies and other operational situations requiring rapid coordination.

Speaking at the launch, IGP Disu described the two initiatives as another practical step in the ongoing digital transformation of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the Vigilant App would strengthen engagement between the police and members of the public, while the CUG Network would improve internal communication and operational coordination within the Force.

According to the Inspector-General, the platforms are aimed at making the Nigeria Police Force more connected, responsive and effective in delivering policing services across the country.

He also stressed that technology must be deployed responsibly and in accordance with the law.

The IGP reiterated that the use of technology in policing must respect citizens’ rights, privacy, data protection and accountability.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continued collaboration with government institutions, financial organisations and private-sector partners in efforts to improve public safety and strengthen national security.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Information and Communication Technology, DIG Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha, said the initiatives demonstrated the Force’s commitment to deploying practical technology-driven solutions to improve policing and public engagement.

Mustapha urged Nigerians to download the NPF Vigilant App from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and use the platform responsibly to report suspected cases of financial fraud.

The Nigeria Police Force expressed appreciation to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, NIBSS, financial institutions, fintech companies, MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technology Limited, TIMPH International Limited and other partners involved in the development and launch of the initiatives.

The Force said it would continue to deploy innovation and strategic partnerships to deliver more accessible, responsive, people-centred and effective policing services to Nigerians.