Nigerian police to receive specialised training in cybercrime, digital evidence — IGP Disu

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for a strategic partnership between the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) to strengthen the professional and legal capacity of police personnel through specialised training.

Mr Disu made the call during a courtesy visit to the NJI in Abuja, where he was received by the Administrator of the institute, Justice Babatunde Adeniran Adejumo, alongside the Institute Secretary, Olumo Abdulazeez, and members of the institute’s management team.

The IGP said the proposed collaboration would strengthen the capacity of police personnel involved in investigations, prosecution and the administration of criminal justice.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the rule of law and the effective administration of criminal justice, stressing the need for continuous professional development to enable officers to respond effectively to emerging legal, technological and security challenges.

Mr Disu proposed a structured partnership between the police and the institute to provide specialised and continuous training for police lawyers, prosecutors, Investigating Police Officers, IPOs, and other personnel involved in criminal investigations and law enforcement.

He identified criminal justice administration, electronic evidence, cybercrime, digital forensics, human rights, prosecution advocacy and case management as key areas in which police personnel required enhanced professional training.

The IGP said the increasing use of technology in criminal activities had made it necessary for investigators and prosecutors to acquire the knowledge and skills required to identify, preserve, analyse and present electronic and digital evidence in line with established legal standards.

He also proposed the development of executive education and professional certification programmes for police personnel as part of efforts to promote professionalism and strengthen institutional capacity.

According to him, the proposed collaboration could also include joint seminars, workshops and research initiatives designed to improve investigative procedures, strengthen prosecution standards and enhance the overall effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

The partnership, he said, would provide an opportunity for the Nigeria Police Force and the National Judicial Institute to develop practical training programmes that respond to contemporary challenges in policing, criminal investigations and the prosecution of cases.

The IGP said improved training would help police personnel carry out their duties in accordance with the law, uphold human rights and contribute to a more efficient and effective criminal justice system.

Responding, the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Adejumo, welcomed the proposed collaboration and expressed the institute’s readiness to work with the Nigeria Police Force to advance the professional development of police personnel.

He said the institute recognised the importance of continuous training and capacity building in strengthening institutions involved in the administration of justice.

Justice Adejumo also commended the IGP for establishing a police outpost within the institute, describing the development as an important step towards improving security at the facility.

He requested further collaboration between the NJI and the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen security arrangements and ensure the continued safety of personnel, visitors and facilities within the institute.

The proposed partnership is expected to deepen cooperation between the police and the judicial training institution, particularly in areas relating to criminal investigations, prosecution, digital evidence and the effective administration of justice.

The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to building strategic partnerships that would strengthen professionalism, improve institutional capacity and advance the administration of criminal justice in the country.