The Police Service Commission (PSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting personal data used in policing, as Nigeria increasingly relies on digital tools for law enforcement.

The PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Salihu Argungu, made the pledge at the National Data Privacy Summit 2026 in Abuja.

The summit, themed “Privacy in the Era of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics and Innovation,” was organised by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) at the Transcorp Hilton.

Speaking at the event, Argungu said modern policing now depends heavily on data rather than physical surveillance alone.

“In the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables and across all our operations, the PSC is dedicated to strict compliance with NDPC policies on data protection,” he said.

He added that safeguarding personal information was essential to maintaining public trust in law enforcement institutions.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s security agencies are collecting more personal data than ever before, from biometric records to digital background checks.

With thousands of new police recruits entering the system, how data is stored, shared and protected has become a growing public concern.

Partnership with data regulators

Mr Argungu praised the NDPC and its National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, for what he described as pioneering efforts to strengthen data protection nationwide.

He also reaffirmed the PSC’s ongoing partnership with the NDPC to ensure ethical data management across police operations.

The PSC said this collaboration would help align law enforcement practices with Nigeria’s data protection laws.

What the law says

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission is responsible for enforcing data privacy standards across public and private institutions.

Under existing regulations, organisations that collect personal data must ensure transparency, consent and secure handling of information.

Failure to comply can attract sanctions, fines or legal action.

What’s next

The PSC says it will continue integrating ethical data practices into recruitment, promotions and disciplinary processes.

Officials say further training and compliance audits are expected as Nigeria deepens its use of digital policing tools.

About the Police Service Commission

The Police Service Commission is a federal executive body empowered to appoint, promote and discipline police officers in Nigeria, except the Inspector-General of Police.

Its mandate is derived from the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Police Service Commission Establishment Act of 2001.

Nigeria’s cybercrime war is gaining global attention after the United Nations praised a police unit that recovered billions of naira and cracked major international fraud networks.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has praised the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) for what it described as a strong and growing impact in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria.

The commendation is contained in UNODC’s 2025 Annual Report on Cybercrime in Nigeria, which highlights the Centre as a key functional unit strengthening cybersecurity and protecting victims of digital crime.

High-profile arrests put Nigeria on the global map

According to the report, the Cybercrime Centre recently arrested 93 Chinese nationals and other Asian suspects linked to large-scale cyber-enabled crimes.

UNODC said the operation significantly raised the Centre’s profile and demonstrated Nigeria’s increasing capacity to tackle complex, cross-border cybercrime networks.

Cybersecurity analysts say such arrests send a strong signal to international fraud syndicates that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for cybercriminal operations.

Billions recovered and returned to victims

UNODC also highlighted the Centre’s success in financial recovery, describing it as one of its most impactful achievements.

In 2024 alone, the NPF-NCCC recovered:

₦8.82 billion in illicit proceeds

115,237.91 USDT in cryptocurrency

$84,000 in cash

The report confirmed that all recovered funds were returned to victims, a move experts say builds public trust in law enforcement and encourages more people to report cybercrime.

In addition, the Centre dismantled 685 devices linked to cybercrime activities.

Why it matters

Cybercrime costs Nigeria billions of naira every year, affecting individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.

For everyday Nigerians, it also means a higher chance of getting stolen funds back when cybercriminals are caught.

Global recognition from INTERPOL

The UNODC commendation follows another major international recognition.

The NPF-NCCC was recently named Africa’s Best Cybercrime Unit by INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate in Singapore, outperforming units from 54 African countries.

The Centre has also upgraded its public complaint system to an e-reporting platform, making it easier for victims to report cyber-related crimes without visiting a police station.

What authorities are saying

While presenting copies of the UN report to the Director of the Cybercrime Centre, UNODC reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria.

The agency said it would continue to support the NPF-NCCC through financial assistance, specialised training, and advanced technological tools to improve operational efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, welcomed the recognition.

He commended UNODC for its continued collaboration and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring a safer cyberspace for citizens and businesses.

What’s next

UNODC’s continued support is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to investigate digital crimes, recover stolen assets, and disrupt transnational cybercrime networks.

Nigeria’s House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Border Security has pledged to support the Nigeria Police Force in strengthening the country’s border security framework.

The commitment was made during a working visit by the lawmakers to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s vast and porous borders have long been linked to insecurity, including smuggling, illegal migration, arms trafficking, and insurgent movements.

Police pledge deeper collaboration

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to tackling border-related security challenges through closer cooperation with the legislature.

He made the remarks while receiving members of the House Committee, describing national security as a “shared responsibility” that requires coordinated strategies and institutional cooperation.

The IGP was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, DIG Bzigu Yakubu Kwazhi.

DIG Kwazhi thanked the lawmakers for their proactive engagement, noting that a unified national vision was essential to addressing complex security threats along Nigeria’s borders.

Lawmakers outline priorities

The House Committee delegation was led by its Chairman, Hon. Isah Mohammed Anka, alongside Hon. David Agada, Hon. Davidson Akinlayo Kolawole, Hon. Paul Gowon, Hon. Saba Ahmed Adamu, and the Committee Clerk, Mrs Jemila Umar.

Hon. Anka pledged the committee’s full support for reforms aimed at strengthening border security.

He said the lawmakers would focus on the deployment of modern surveillance technology, improved welfare for officers deployed to border areas, and specialised training for personnel of the Border Patrol Force.

“The committee is committed to making meaningful contributions that will enhance the operational effectiveness of border security officers,” Anka said.

Police Border Patrol reacts

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Border Patrol Force, AIG Nemi Iwoh, welcomed the committee’s intervention.

He said the swift implementation of resolutions reached during the engagement would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s border security architecture.

“Speedy implementation of these resolutions will greatly enhance our operational capacity,” AIG Iwoh said.

What’s next

The Nigeria Police Force said it remains open to sustained collaboration with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to achieve lasting security outcomes.

The Force added that border security reforms would remain a priority under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun.