IGP, Security Chiefs Honour FCTA Director, Push For Tech-driven Policing

Security and academic leaders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have agreed to champion a major overhaul of Nigeria’s security approach through education and technology, especially in the nation’s capital.

They spoke at an event to honour the secretary of the FCTA Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji, who earned a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies.

The inspector-general of police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, who chaired the occasion, lauded Olumuji, known widely as “Dr Sharp-Sharp”, as a model of integrity.

He described the awardee as a paragon of honesty and professional persistence. Recounting their working together during his tenure as FCT commissioner of police, the IGP admitted he initially viewed the nickname with scepticism.

“I thought it had to do with something shady. But I found out that he is someone who makes sure the job gets done.

“Whenever there is a task, he stays on your neck to ensure it is completed. I learned from him: start a job, put a plan to it and follow it to the last,” he said.

The IGP said academic certification is crucial for modern security personnel and urged officers to get certified for the specialise roles they perform.

Also, Adamu Gwary, the director of the FCTA Security Services Department, linked Olumuji’s achievement to the broader “security revolution” led by the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

Gwary said the department is increasingly populated by Doctors of Philosophy, which he believes will inject “philosophical urgency” into tackling urban security challenges.

“This presupposes that security matters will be handled with innovative responsiveness. With the current security situation, this intellectual capacity ensures we have the organisation needed to provide top-tier administration for the FCT,” Gwary stated.

For his part, the vice chancellor of Bingham University, Prof. Haruna Kuje Ayuba, who supervised Olumuji during his time at Nasarawa State University, praised his dedication to genuine learning.

“While some students want to get a degree by any means, Dr Olumuji was ready to learn. We didn’t just work together; we published research together,” Ayuba said.

He added that expanding Security and Strategic Studies programmes is vital for the nation, arguing that training experts at this level is now essential to “nip security challenges in the bud” as they spread across the country.

Similarly, Dr Stephen Okore of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, a long-time academic colleague, described Olumuji as a ‘gentleman leader’ who served as their class governor throughout their Master’s and PhD programmes, citing his loyalty and honesty as defining leadership traits.

Responding, Olumuji said his doctoral research underscores a critical shift needed in Nigeria’s security strategy; the transition from heavy reliance on physical personnel to the integration of advanced technology.

“One thing we are going to do is look at modern ways of tackling insecurity, especially in urban areas. By introducing more technology, we reduce the reliance on manpower. This is more effective and, crucially, saves the lives of our gallant men and women in the military and law enforcement agencies who face risks in the field,” he said.