The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has praised the Enugu State Government for establishing what he described as a world-class Command and Control Centre, saying the facility represents a major step forward in the use of technology to enhance public safety.
Speaking during an inspection of the centre in Enugu, the IGP expressed admiration for the sophistication of the surveillance system, noting that it exceeded his expectations despite his previous experience with similar security infrastructure in Lagos.
Disu toured the facility alongside Governor Peter Mbah, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and other security officials.
According to the police chief, the centre’s advanced capabilities provide security agencies with extensive real-time monitoring across the state, including remote and forested locations.
“I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this facility,” he said. “Having worked in Lagos where we operated a similar system, I can confidently say the level of advancement here is remarkable.”
He explained that the technology allows operators to monitor virtually every part of Enugu State, with high-powered cameras capable of zooming over long distances to detect activities across difficult terrains.
Disu noted that the integration of artificial intelligence into the surveillance network enables dedicated personnel to monitor different locations effectively, while also contributing to the impressive security successes already recorded through the system.
The IGP urged other state governments to visit Enugu and study the model, describing it as an initiative worthy of replication across Nigeria to strengthen the protection of lives and property.
He also applauded the state’s Distress Response Squad (DRS), a specialized police unit equipped with more than 150 patrol vehicles fitted with AI-enabled cameras and connected directly to the Command and Control Centre.
To assess the squad’s operational readiness, Disu disclosed that he conducted an unscheduled test during his visit by directing officers to respond to a simulated incident without informing them he was monitoring their communication.
According to him, the team reached the designated location within a few minutes, demonstrating a high level of professionalism, speed, and operational efficiency.
Drawing from his experience as the former Commander of the Rapid Response Force (RRF) in Lagos, the IGP commended the DRS for its capacity and effectiveness, while praising Governor Mbah for prioritizing investments in modern security infrastructure.
The Enugu State Command and Control Centre was officially inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu during his visit to the state on January 4, 2025, and serves as the hub of the state’s technology-driven security architecture.