Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, AIG Uche Ifeanyi, has described Enugu state as one of the safest states in Nigeria, attributing the feat to Governor Peter Mbah’s massive investment in technology-driven security infrastructure.
He also commended the state Government for training 300 security personnel from various security agencies on smart policing , information gathering,cyber security, Artificial intelligence and technology to strengthen crime-fighting operations across the state.
Speaking during an assessment visit to Enugu’s security command and control facilities on Friday, the AIG said the state had distinguished itself through the deployment of advanced security technologies, including surveillance drones, aircraft and a sophisticated Command and Control Centre capable of monitoring activities across the state in real time.
AIG Ifeanyi Uche
He explained that he was in Enugu at the invitation of Governor Mbah to coordinate a specialised training programme focused on intelligence gathering, data management, criminal tracking and technology-enabled policing.
According to him, the facilities and systems put in place by the state government explain why Enugu is increasingly being recognised as one of the safest states in the country.
He stressed that modern security threats require modern responses, noting that the era of relying solely on conventional policing methods has passed.
AIG Uche
“The world has moved beyond analogue policing. Criminals are evolving and security agencies must also embrace technology to stay ahead,” he said.
He commended Governor Mbah for providing security agencies with the tools needed to combat crime effectively, adding that the state’s investment in technology has significantly strengthened public safety and reduced criminal activities.
The AIG disclosed that approximately 300 operatives drawn from the Police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Forest Guards and other law enforcement agencies had been trained under the programme.
According to him, the training covered intelligence gathering, information management, criminal tracking techniques, cyber security and the use of modern technology in crime prevention and investigation.
He said the objective was to equip personnel with the skills required to operate sophisticated security equipment and maximise the benefits of technology-driven policing.
The AIG described Enugu’s security architecture as one of the best security models in the South-East and across Nigeria, assuring that the Police Training Department would continue to support the state through capacity-building initiatives and specialised training programmes.
r Olasajan
Speaking, on the training, the Commander of the Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasanjo, said the training would enhance intelligence sharing among security agencies and improve crime prevention efforts.
He noted that criminals were increasingly deploying technology to perpetrate crimes, making data gathering, analysis and intelligence sharing critical tools in modern security operations.
Olasanjo added that Governor Mbah had adequately equipped the Forest Guard and established structures that enable seamless collaboration with other security agencies.
He assured rural communities and farmers of improved security, stressing that sustainable economic growth could only thrive in a secure environment.
“The Governor has equipped us and created structures that enable us to work effectively with other security agencies. Communities and farmers should expect greater security and freedom to go about their activities without fear. Without security, there can be no meaningful economic growth,” he said.
SP Osondu
The Organise of the training and Chief Security Officer to the Governor of Enugu state, Superintendent of Police Osondu Ifeanyi, said the programme was designed to deepen inter-agency collaboration and strengthen the capacity of security personnel in cyber security, data gathering and intelligence management.
He noted that participants were drawn from multiple agencies, including the Police, DSS, military, NSCDC and Forest Guard, to ensure coordinated security operations across the state.
According to him, Governor Mbah has made security his top priority, investing heavily in technology and personnel development to keep Enugu safe for residents, businesses and investors.
“This training is not for the police alone. We invited all relevant security agencies because crime fighting requires collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated action. We are moving beyond conventional methods to digital security operations.
“We have built a system where security agencies work together, share information seamlessly and deploy technology to tackle emerging threats. The governor has invested significantly in security infrastructure and personnel development, and this training will be sustained through continuous retraining of operatives,” he said.
DSP Onyia
Also speaking, the Chief Security Officer of Oji River Local Government Area, DSP Nwokaba Onyi, commended the Enugu State Government for organising the programme, describing it as timely and strategic in addressing emerging security challenges.
He said the training exposed participants to modern techniques in intelligence gathering, cyber security, information management and criminal tracking, while also strengthening their understanding of open-source intelligence and data analysis.
According to him, Enugu’s smart security initiative has positioned the state as a model for others across the country.
“Enugu is leading the way in smart security and intelligence-driven policing. Other states should emulate what Governor Peter Mbah has done in deploying technology and training personnel to fight crime more effectively.
“The programme exposed us to practical methods of information gathering and cyber security. We learnt the importance of Open Source Intelligence in tracking criminal suspects and gathering actionable intelligence. Security agencies must continue to embrace technology because criminals themselves are increasingly using technology to perpetrate crime,” he said.
Also speaking, DSC Obidigbo Catherine, Deputy Superintendent of Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), said the training had broadened participants’ understanding of intelligence gathering and cyber security, particularly in the area of tracking criminal suspects through technology-driven methods.
She said participants learnt the importance of information gathering, cyber threat detection and the use of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) in identifying and apprehending criminal suspects.
According to her, the training exposed security operatives to modern investigative techniques capable of improving intelligence-led policing and enhancing collaboration among security agencies.
“We learnt about information gathering and cyber attacks. We also realised the importance of using Open Source Intelligence to go after criminal suspects. The programme exposed us to modern methods of tracking criminals and using intelligence to support investigations and law enforcement operations,” she said.
Obidigbo commended Governor Mbah and the organisers of the programme for investing in continuous capacity building for security personnel, describing the initiative as a major step towards strengthening public safety and crime prevention across the state.
