Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has called for wider collaboration to improve security globally. This was during his participation in the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026) held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from July 7 to July 8, 2026.
The IGP, in a video message, stated that while the use of technological innovations can enhance security by presenting significant opportunities for law enforcement through artificial intelligence, digital forensics, and geospatial intelligence, it cannot replace public trust. He emphasized that modern criminal networks increasingly exploit artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, and cyber-enabled platforms to operate across borders with growing sophistication, thereby challenging traditional policing models.
Tunji Disu further advocated for greater international cooperation, capacity building, and equitable access to digital policing capabilities for all member states, stressing that the benefits of technological advancement should not be limited to a few technologically advanced nations. He acknowledged the significant role that technology can play in supporting security operations, including the deployment of drones and other automated systems to help respond to emergencies.
During the summit, the IGP and other police chiefs and security experts from across the world discussed strategies for strengthening international peace, security, and development. They touched on issues such as the global impact of transnational organized crime, as well as the need for more effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies to tackle threats to global security.
The summit brought together ministers, Inspectors-General of Police, Chiefs of Police, and senior representatives of regional and professional policing organisations from across the world. It aimed to address some of the most pressing security challenges facing nations today, with a focus on how to leverage technology to enhance security.
Key Facts:
- UNCOPS 2026 was the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit.
- Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, spoke at the summit.
- The summit took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from July 7 to July 8, 2026.
- Global security was the main focus of the summit.
- Modern criminal networks are increasingly exploiting artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, and cyber-enabled platforms to operate across borders.
- Greater international cooperation and capacity building are necessary for member states to access digital policing capabilities.
- The benefits of technological advancement should not be limited to a few technologically advanced nations.
- Police chiefs and security experts from across the world discussed strategies for strengthening international peace, security, and development at the summit.
- The summit aimed to address pressing security challenges facing nations today, with a focus on leveraging technology to enhance security.
- Technology can enhance security by presenting significant opportunities for law enforcement through artificial intelligence, digital forensics, and geospatial intelligence*,
And the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit 2026 provided a platform for global leaders to share experiences and best practices in enhancing security through technology. The IGP's message highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to leveraging technology in the fight against crime and ensuring global security. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of working together to address security challenges cannot be overstated.