The Managing Director of Lenders Consult International, Shina Philips, has commended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu for their contributions to the successful hosting of the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO).

Philips, one of the organisers of the conference, said the contributions of the governor and police chief supported the broader objective of CARSPO, which is to enable the Nigeria Police Force to regularly review and adapt its strategies in response to evolving security challenges.  

The sixth edition of CARSPO was held in Owerri, Imo State, from September 21 to 23 under the theme, “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections.”  

According to Philips, the changing nature of crime makes it necessary for the police to continually reassess their strategies, technology and operational approaches rather than rely on methods developed for previous security environments.

“Crime is evolving. Criminals are evolving. So, the police are rethinking their strategic and tactical approaches. They are looking at themselves to rejig the system and reposition themselves,” Philips said.  

He used the expression, “Any man watching a masquerade cannot stand in one place,” to illustrate the need for continuous adaptation by security institutions.

Uzodimma played a prominent role in the 2026 edition, delivering a lecture from the perspective of the state government on security management and its engagement with security agencies and communities.  

Philips also expressed appreciation to the governor for supporting the conference and making Imo State available to host CARSPO for the third time since the initiative began.

He said bringing the governor into the conference discussions provided senior police officers with an opportunity to hear directly from a state government on its expectations, experiences and approach to security cooperation.

The 2026 edition also placed considerable emphasis on preparations for the 2027 general elections, with Disu stressing the need for police neutrality, early intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, training, technology and accountability.  

At the conference, Disu warned police officers against political bias and emphasised that the Force’s responsibility covers the entire electoral cycle rather than only election day.

The conference subsequently adopted recommendations for a comprehensive election-security roadmap, including stronger intelligence systems, improved coordination, adequate logistics, specialised training, effective communication and accountability.  

Philips, however, said the significance of CARSPO extends beyond the 2027 elections, arguing that the conference should continue to serve as a platform for the police to reassess their approach to changing security threats.

“But there is a life beyond 2027, and there’s a life beyond the next year’s election,” he said.  

The conference also examined the growing role of artificial intelligence, digital policing, intelligence-led operations and data analytics, with participants considering how technology can support police investigations and operational decision-making.  

The Nigeria Police Force concluded the retreat by adopting a security roadmap covering the electoral cycle and charging senior officers to translate the conference resolutions into practical measures across their respective commands and formations.