Shina Philips, a key organizer of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO), has publicly commended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu for their contributions to the 2026 edition of the event. The conference, held in Owerri, Imo State, from 21 to 23 September, centered on developing a Nigerian Police Roadmap for effective election security ahead of the 2027 general elections. Philips emphasized that the gathering aimed to address evolving crime patterns and the need for the police to adapt strategies, technology, and operational approaches. 'Crime is evolving. Criminals are evolving. So, the police are rethinking their strategic and tactical approaches,' he stated in an interview with Premium Times, drawing a metaphor that 'any man watching a masquerade cannot stand in one place.'
CARSPO, which began in 2019, has grown to tackle emerging security challenges. The 2026 edition marked a shift in format, incorporating panel discussions with retired senior police officers and including the host state’s governor in deliberations. Governor Uzodimma, who delivered a lecture on Imo State’s security initiatives, including the establishment of the Imo State Vigilante Service, highlighted the importance of collaboration between state authorities and the police. Philips noted that the governor’s participation provided officers with a government perspective, fostering dialogue on aligning state and federal security priorities. 'The arrangement allowed officers to understand government expectations and consider how state authorities and the police could work together,' he explained.
The conference also addressed broader policing issues, such as artificial intelligence (AI), intelligence-led policing, and inter-agency coordination. IGP Disu warned against political bias, stressing that the police must remain neutral during elections. 'We protect citizens and enforce the law. We do not decide political outcomes,' he said, adding that officers engaging in partisan activities or abusing power would face disciplinary action. Disu underscored the need for a comprehensive election-security roadmap, including intelligence gathering, logistics, training, and accountability. 'Our duty does not begin on election day. It covers the whole electoral cycle,' he emphasized.
Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), acknowledged the police’s efforts to improve professionalism in recent elections but highlighted the critical role of funding. 'If we want the election to be perfect, there must be a cost for it,' he stated, advocating for adequate resources to ensure security. Ross Alabo-George, a tech consultant, urged the police to prioritize process optimization before digital transformation, arguing that 'you cannot digitise or transform digitally without a solid process.' He emphasized integrating data, AI, and analytics to enhance performance and public trust.
IGP Disu confirmed that the police are already deploying technologies like CCTV and facial recognition, citing instances where these tools aided investigations. However, he cautioned that AI’s effectiveness depends on the quality of inputs. 'What you get out of AI is as good as the prompt you impute in it,' he said. The conference concluded with recommendations on election security, technology, training, and institutional accountability. Disu challenged officers to implement the resolutions upon returning to their commands, urging them to share insights with deputy commissioners and tactical commanders.
Shina Philips reiterated that while the 2027 elections were a priority, CARSPO’s mission extended beyond that. 'There is a life beyond 2027, and there’s a life beyond the next year’s election,' he said. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, stressed the need for police-lawyer collaboration to uphold the rule of law. 'As partners in progress, aiming for the same goal, [protection] of the rule of law, [protection] of lives and property, we all have a role to play,' she stated. The event underscored the imperative for continuous adaptation in policing to counter emerging threats and ensure public safety.
The 2026 CARSPO highlighted the interplay between governance, technology, and security. Governor Uzodimma’s third hosting of the conference in Imo State reflected the state’s commitment to fostering dialogue on law enforcement. Philips praised Uzodimma’s support, noting that the governor’s presence enriched the discussions. 'The governor’s participation provided a perspective different from the operational and administrative discussions within the Force,' he said. The conference also featured a dinner hosted by Uzodimma for police leadership and guests, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the event.
Public-interest implications of the discussions centered on election integrity, police accountability, and the role of technology in governance. The call for intelligence-led policing and inter-agency coordination aimed to address systemic gaps in security. Critics, however, remain skeptical about the feasibility of implementing reforms without sustained political will and funding. The conference’s emphasis on AI and digital tools raised questions about data privacy and ethical use, areas requiring regulatory frameworks.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the lessons from CARSPO 2026 will shape the police’s strategy. The event’s focus on adaptability aligns with global trends in law enforcement, where technology and community engagement are pivotal. Philips’ analogy of the masquerade underscored the need for dynamic approaches to security. 'The police must not confront new challenges with strategies designed for an earlier era,' he concluded. The recommendations from the conference will serve as a blueprint for the Nigeria Police Force’s evolution in the coming years.
The 2026 CARSPO underscored the critical role of leadership in driving institutional change. Governor Uzodimma’s advocacy for community-based security initiatives, such as the Imo State Vigilante Service, highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement. IGP Disu’s emphasis on neutrality and professionalism aimed to restore public confidence in the police. However, the success of these efforts hinges on transparency, accountability, and the willingness of stakeholders to collaborate.
The conference also addressed the broader context of Nigeria’s security landscape, including the impact of crime syndicates and the need for cross-border cooperation. Discussions on child trafficking in Benue, as reported in related investigations, underscored the interconnectedness of local and national challenges. Philips noted that CARSPO’s evolution reflects the dynamic nature of security threats, requiring continuous dialogue and innovation.
As the Nigeria Police Force prepares for the 2027 elections, the 2026 CARSPO serves as a pivotal moment in its reform journey. The event’s focus on technology, training, and inter-agency collaboration provides a framework for addressing both immediate and long-term challenges. The emphasis on public trust, however, remains a cornerstone of effective policing, as highlighted by participants and stakeholders alike.
The legacy of CARSPO 2026 will depend on the implementation of its recommendations. While the conference provided a platform for critical discussions, the true test lies in translating these insights into actionable policies. The involvement of state leaders, technologists, and legal experts signals a multidisciplinary approach to security, which is essential for navigating Nigeria’s complex challenges.
In conclusion, the 2026 CARSPO reinforced the necessity of adaptive policing in a rapidly changing security environment. The commendations for Uzodimma and Disu reflect recognition of their roles in fostering dialogue and driving reforms. As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, the lessons from the conference will be instrumental in shaping a more responsive and accountable police force.
The 2026 CARSPO highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, law enforcement, and civil society. The inclusion of retired police officers and legal professionals in discussions underscored the value of diverse perspectives in addressing security challenges. Philips emphasized that the conference’s success lay in its ability to bridge theoretical frameworks with practical solutions, ensuring that the police remain equipped to meet emerging threats.
As the Nigeria Police Force continues its transformation, the 2026 CARSPO serves as a benchmark for future engagements. The event’s focus on election security, technological integration, and institutional accountability sets a precedent for ongoing reforms. The commitment of leaders like Uzodimma and Disu to these initiatives signals a collective effort to strengthen national security and public trust.