IGP Disu Launches Vigilant App, MTN Network to Strengthen Fraud Reporting and Police Communication

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has launched the Nigeria Police Force Vigilant App and the NPF–MTN Closed User Group Network as part of efforts to improve financial-fraud reporting, public engagement and communication among police personnel nationwide.

Disu unveiled the two initiatives on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the NPF Conference Centre in Jabi, Abuja.

The Vigilant App is a citizen-facing platform developed by the Force ICT Department in collaboration with stakeholders in the financial-services sector. It is designed to give members of the public a faster channel to report suspected financial fraud to the police.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, users of the platform can submit fraud reports, upload supporting evidence, monitor the progress of their cases and receive feedback. The platform is also expected to facilitate coordination between the police and relevant institutions in the financial-services ecosystem.

The NPF–MTN CUG Network, meanwhile, is designed specifically for police personnel across the country. The dedicated network is expected to provide secure and affordable on-net communication, helping officers improve coordination, emergency response and operational communication between commands and units.

Speaking at the launch, IGP Disu described the initiatives as practical steps in the Force’s ongoing digital-transformation efforts.

He said the Vigilant App would strengthen engagement between the police and members of the public, while the CUG Network would improve communication within the Force and contribute to a more connected and responsive police service.

Disu also stressed that the use of technology in policing must remain lawful, ethical and responsible, with proper consideration for citizens’ rights, privacy, data protection and accountability.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Information and Communication Technology, Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha, said the initiatives reflected the Force’s determination to deploy practical technology-driven solutions to improve service delivery and strengthen engagement with the public.

He urged Nigerians to download the Vigilant App through the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and use it responsibly when reporting suspected financial fraud.

The launch brought together representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, the Police Service Commission, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, financial institutions, fintech companies, MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technology Limited, TIMPH International Limited and other stakeholders.

The Nigeria Police Force said the initiatives were developed through collaboration with relevant government agencies and private-sector partners as part of efforts to make policing more accessible, responsive and technology-driven.

The Force further reaffirmed its commitment to using innovation and strategic partnerships to improve public safety, strengthen operational effectiveness and deliver more people-centred policing services across Nigeria.

AI Voice Case: Man Accused of Cloning Tinubu’s Voice Regains Freedom, Faces Fresh Charges

The young man accused of creating and circulating an AI-generated voice note allegedly impersonating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has regained his freedom after spending weeks in police detention and later at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

His release was confirmed on Monday by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who said human rights lawyer Prince Wayne Esq. Aluta Icon Chikeze secured the young man’s release during a court proceeding.

According to Sowore, the suspect, identified as Ifechukwu Dennis, has since reunited with his family after his release from custody.

However, Sowore claimed that the legal battle is far from over, alleging that the Nigeria Police Force has filed fresh charges against Dennis before the Federal High Court.

“We were present in court to witness it, and we’ve since confirmed that he’s rejoined his family,” Sowore wrote in a statement shared on his social media platforms.

He added that his team would continue to challenge the new charges in court, describing the prosecution as an attempt to continue what he believes is an unjust campaign against the young man.

“The fight is far from over. We will continue to challenge these charges and stand with him until he is completely free,” Sowore said.

The activist also used the opportunity to call for greater support for innovation among young Nigerians, arguing that the country should encourage technology and creativity instead of criminalising them.

“Nigeria’s young people need opportunities to learn, innovate, create and flourish, not incarceration and endless prosecution,” he stated.

The case attracted widespread public attention after authorities accused Dennis of producing an artificial intelligence-generated audio recording allegedly designed to imitate President Tinubu’s voice.

The development means that although Dennis has been released from custody, he is still expected to face legal proceedings as the matter moves before the court.