By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has unveiled a sweeping reform agenda for the Nigeria Police Force, declaring zero tolerance for misconduct, partisanship and abuse of authority as he convened his inaugural conference with strategic police managers in Abuja.
Speaking at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the IGP described the gathering as the beginning of “a defining chapter” in the life of the Force. He said leadership was not about position but responsibility, noting that he was fully conscious of the weight of expectations from officers, the nation and the Nigerian people.
The Police chief emphasised that the Force exists to serve the people, protect the nation and uphold the rule of law, stressing that professionalism, accountability and transparency would be standards under his leadership, not mere slogans. He warned that misconduct, corruption, extortion, unlawful arrest and detention erode public confidence and dishonour the uniform, adding unequivocally that such actions would not be tolerated.
According to him, authority is strongest when exercised with restraint, fairness and sound judgment, insisting that respect for human rights is fundamental to professional policing and central to sustaining public trust. He reiterated that every Nigerian, irrespective of status or background, must be treated with dignity and fairness.
To restore confidence in the Force, the IGP announced plans to strengthen and insulate internal accountability mechanisms from undue influence. He said the Force Provost, the Complaints Response Unit and the X-Squad would be empowered to operate decisively and independently in investigating misconduct and abuse of authority. “No officer is above the law,” he declared, adding that rank or seniority would not shield any erring officer from dismissal or prosecution where necessary.
Beyond discipline, the IGP pledged comprehensive reforms in recruitment and training. He disclosed that recruitment processes would be reviewed to ensure only individuals of sound character and competence are admitted, while training curricula across police institutions would be modernised to reflect emerging security realities and global best practices. Continuous professional development, specialised skills acquisition and periodic retraining, he said, would form the backbone of a modern, technology-driven and intelligence-led Police Force.
Community policing, he noted, would remain central to the Force’s operational philosophy. He directed Commissioners of Police nationwide to prioritise sustained engagement with traditional institutions, community leaders, youth groups and civil society, describing partnership as a critical force multiplier in tackling insecurity.
On national security management, the IGP reaffirmed the primacy of the Nigeria Police Force as the lead agency in internal security. He pledged to re-engineer operational strategies to embrace intelligence-led, evidence-based and technology-driven policing, with deliberate investments in cyber forensics, data analytics, surveillance technologies and scientific crime-scene management.
With the 2027 General Elections approaching, the Police chief underscored the Force’s heightened responsibility in safeguarding democracy. He assured that the Police would secure the electoral process before, during and after the polls, protect voters and electoral officials, and ensure Nigerians exercise their civic rights freely and without intimidation. He warned that any officer found compromising neutrality or violating electoral laws would face swift disciplinary action, including prosecution.
The IGP also placed strong emphasis on officer welfare, promising deliberate attention to housing, remuneration, pensions, healthcare and overall well-being. He said improved living conditions and psychological support would boost morale and performance, assuring officers that the leadership would stand firmly with those who uphold the honour of the Force.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him, the Inspector-General pledged to discharge his duties with diligence, integrity and courage, vowing to build a Police Force that earns the confidence of Nigerians and reflects their aspirations.
