Environmental and sustainability strategist Sonia Somuviehas commended Lenders Consult International and the Nigeria Police Force for convening the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO), describing the three-day engagement as a timely national conversation on policing, institutional preparedness and election security.
CARSPO 2026, held in Owerri, Imo State, from September 21 to 23, brought senior police officers, security experts and other stakeholders together to examine emerging security challenges and develop strategies for managing security before, during and after the 2027 general elections. The conference was organised by the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with Lenders Consult International.
Somuvie said the breadth of issues discussed at the conference was particularly significant, noting that contemporary policing increasingly requires more than conventional deployment. The discussions addressed intelligence and early-warning systems, officer training, inter-agency cooperation, communication and disinformation tracking, community partnerships and political neutrality.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also emphasised officer welfare, accountability and professional conduct, charging senior officers to remain “Neutral, Prepared, Present, Accountable” throughout the electoral cycle. He further warned against partisan conduct, electoral violence, voter intimidation and other actions capable of undermining the electoral process.
Technology and digital transformation also featured prominently. Sessions examined artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital technologies for crime prevention, investigation and security management. The Force disclosed ongoing work around facial recognition, CCTV analysis, digital police statements, a digital crime diary and an AI-powered public-facing platform, while experts highlighted the need for sound processes and governance to accompany digital transformation.
According to Somuvie, the inclusion of retired senior police officers and stakeholders from other sectors also demonstrated the value of institutional learning and collaboration in addressing complex national challenges.
“Institutions grow when they create room to examine experience, confront emerging challenges and deliberately prepare for what lies ahead. CARSPO provides an important platform for that kind of institutional reflection,” Somuvie said.
She commended the Nigeria Police Force for creating the space for strategic reflection and forward planning, while acknowledging Lenders Consult International for its role in bringing together the programme and supporting the engagement. The IGP has separately commended Lenders Consult CEO, Dr. Shina Phillips, for the organisation and professional coordination of the conference, as well as the calibre of experts assembled.
Somuvie said the significance of CARSPO should ultimately be assessed beyond the conference itself, particularly through the implementation of recommendations, improvements in coordination and preparedness, professional conduct, and the ability of institutions to strengthen public confidence.
“CARSPO has brought important questions to the table. The next chapter is ensuring that the ideas, lessons and commitments emerging from the conversation translate into practical institutional action,” she said.
She noted that the conference has provided an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the future of policing in a rapidly changing security and technological environment, with the 2027 elections providing an immediate context for that work and measurable public confidence outcomes.
