By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening accountability and transparency within the Nigeria Police Force as part of ongoing reforms aimed at promoting people-centred policing across the country.
Disu gave the assurance while receiving a distinguished delegation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) led by renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation comprised prominent figures from the legal, human rights, governance, and security reform sectors. Among them were Mr. Adesina Oke of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, Barr. Okeke Chinwike of the African Law Foundation, Ms. Barbara S. Magaji of Amnesty International, Mr. Anietie Ewang of Human Rights Watch, Mr. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Ms. Bathsheba Taglia of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo, Executive Director of Partners West Africa-Nigeria, and Dr. Itia Otabor of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development.
Speaking during the visit, Falana congratulated the IGP on his appointment and commended his articulated vision of policing as a mission rooted in the protection of human rights. He urged the police leadership to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, particularly those relating to family notification upon arrest, suspects’ rights to legal representation, and the prohibition of arrests arising from civil disputes.
Falana also called for stronger accountability mechanisms within the police to guarantee that officers respect constitutional guarantees and are held liable in cases of misconduct.
Responding, Disu expressed deep appreciation for the engagement of civil society actors and reiterated his administration’s resolve to deepen reforms aimed at improving the operational culture of the Force.
The police chief emphasized that effective policing must go beyond addressing major crimes to also respond to the everyday concerns and safety needs of citizens.
According to him, ongoing reforms within the Force include the review and updating of training manuals, improved welfare for officers, and the issuance of strict directives prohibiting police personnel from interfering in purely civil matters.
Disu further pledged greater transparency and accountability in policing operations and assured the delegation that steps are being taken to strengthen oversight mechanisms, particularly through the improvement of the Complaint Response Unit and the Monitoring Unit of the Force.
He expressed confidence that effective and professional policing remains attainable and reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to prioritize accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights in all its operations.
