Police have launched an alert app to help Nigerians report financial fraud

The Nigerian Police have introduced a new digital platform designed to make it easier for Nigerians to report suspected financial fraud and follow the progress of their cases.

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Tuesday officially launched the Nigerian Police Alert App with the NPF–MTN Closed User Group Network at the NPF Conference Center in Jabi, Abuja.

Both initiatives aim to strengthen the Police’s digital operations, increase public engagement and improve communication between police officers across the country.

The NPF Vigilant app provides a platform where members of the public can report suspected fraud, submit supporting evidence, monitor the progress of their complaints and receive feedback.

The second initiative, the NPF–MTN CUG Network, “provides secure and affordable online communications to police officers across the country to support emergency coordination and operational response.”

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Alert Application was developed by the Force ICT Department in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the financial services sector.

The statement added that the platform is designed to facilitate cooperation with relevant institutions while operating in accordance with established laws and procedures.

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The launch attracted key players from government agencies, the banking sector, and technology companies. According to police, those present included “representatives of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Presidential Committee for Economic and Financial Inclusion, the Police Services Commission, the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System, financial institutions, fintech companies, MTN Nigeria, Vigilant Technology Limited, TIMPH International Limited and other partners.”

Speaking at the event, Disu described the introduction of the two platforms as “a practical step in the Force’s digital transformation efforts.”

He said the new technology would help improve relations between police and members of the public while strengthening communications within the Police Department.

According to the IGP, the Vigilant App will “strengthen engagement with the public while the CUG Network will improve internal communications,” making the Nigerian Police Force more connected, responsive and effective.

Disu also stressed the importance of the responsible application of technology in law enforcement, and stressed that digital tools must be used in accordance with the law and respect fundamental rights.

He added that technology remains an enabler of professional policing and must be applied legally, ethically and responsibly, taking into account citizens’ rights, privacy, data protection and accountability.

Also speaking, Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Information and Communications Technology, Fayoade Mustapha, said the projects reflected the police’s determination to utilize technology to improve operations and service delivery.

According to him, this initiative demonstrates the Army’s “decision to implement practical, technology-based solutions that improve service delivery, support personnel, and strengthen public engagement.”

Mustapha urged Nigerians to take advantage of this new reporting platform by downloading it and using it appropriately.

He encouraged the public to download the NPF Vigilant App from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and “use it responsibly to report suspected financial fraud.”

The Nigerian Police also expressed appreciation to the organizations and institutions collaborating on the project, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, NIBSS, financial institutions, fintech companies, MTN Nigeria and other partners.