Mahama commissions 111 vehicles and Digital Forensic Laboratory for BNI to boost crime-fighting efforts
President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned 111 new vehicles and a Digital Forensic Laboratory for the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), now the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), as part of efforts to strengthen intelligence gathering, investigations and the fight against sophisticated crime.
The vehicles comprise 100 brand-new Mitsubishi pickup trucks, six Toyota LX station wagons and five Toyota Prado vehicles.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Mahama said the provision of the vehicles would address longstanding mobility challenges that had hampered the Bureau’s operational efficiency, particularly in intelligence gathering and investigations.
He noted that the changing nature of crime, driven by technological advancement, required security agencies to invest in modern digital tools to stay ahead of criminals.
President Mahama said the establishment of the Digital Forensic Laboratory would strengthen the Bureau’s capacity to investigate cybercrime, hacking, online scams and other sophisticated criminal activities.
“The face of crime is changing. Crime used to be analogue before. But as technology develops, crime too has become digital,” he said.
He added that security agencies must remain ahead of criminals in adopting technology, stressing that while criminals were taking steps towards digitalisation, the Bureau must take two steps ahead.
The President explained that digital forensic investigations could help security agencies retrieve crucial information from suspects’ mobile phones, identify accomplices and unravel criminal networks that might otherwise be difficult to detect.
President Mahama also commended the Director-General of the Bureau for ongoing modernisation efforts, including the construction of new regional offices.
He disclosed that eight additional regional offices were under construction and expected to be completed next year, bringing the number of modern regional facilities to at least nine.
He said the improved facilities would enhance officers’ working conditions while ensuring that members of the public who visit the Bureau are treated with dignity.
The President also highlighted the renovation of interrogation rooms, which have been upgraded with soundproofing and digital recording equipment to improve investigations while safeguarding the dignity of individuals who appear before investigators.
On the new vehicle fleet, President Mahama urged officers, particularly drivers and transport personnel, to ensure proper maintenance to extend the lifespan of the vehicles.
He cautioned against reckless use of the vehicles, noting that they were expensive investments that should serve the Bureau for at least eight to ten years if properly maintained.
President Mahama further announced that government would procure additional vehicles for the security agencies in 2027, with the Bureau expected to benefit from the next allocation.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to equipping the intelligence community to respond effectively to security threats in the sub-region, particularly those emanating from the Sahel.
The President urged officers to support the Bureau’s leadership and
