By Nkechi Eze
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has issued a firm declaration of zero tolerance for misconduct within the Nigeria Police Force, announcing the dismissal of officers involved in an extra-judicial killing in Delta State while unveiling a far-reaching reform agenda to reposition the Force for professionalism, accountability, and intelligence-driven policing.
Addressing an emergency conference of Commissioners of Police and the press at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the IGP delivered a blunt and transparent assessment of the incident, underscoring his commitment to institutional discipline and public trust.
“What I say today, I say openly before my officers and before the press because transparency is the foundation of the new Nigeria Police Force I am committed to building. I have nothing to hide, and neither should any officer under my command,” IGP Disu declared.
Confronting the Delta State incident, the police chief described the killing as unlawful and a grave violation of both human rights and professional ethics, confirming that the Force had acted swiftly to enforce accountability.
“That act was wrong, it was unlawful, it violated the sanctity of human life and the professional standards of this Force,” he stated emphatically. “The officer responsible and members of his team have been dismissed from service, and the case has been forwarded for criminal prosecution. This matter will not be swept aside.”
He disclosed that the suspect was found in possession of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of live 9mm ammunition, adding that investigations remain ongoing.
“To the Nigerian public, I say this: this incident does not define the Nigeria Police Force. But how we respond to it will. And our response is clear, zero tolerance, full accountability, no exceptions,” he affirmed.
Providing insight into operational outcomes, the IGP revealed that intelligence-led operations conducted nationwide in April 2026 resulted in the arrest of 28 suspected terrorists, 51 murder suspects, 62 armed robbery suspects, 85 kidnapping suspects, and 54 suspected cultists, alongside the rescue of 189 kidnapped victims.
He further disclosed that 140 assorted firearms, 1,074 rounds of ammunition, and 37 stolen vehicles were recovered during the period.
In a major policy shift, IGP Disu announced the establishment of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a newly restructured tactical formation designed to confront serious and violent crimes with precision and professionalism.
“This is not a rebranding exercise. The VCRU represents a fundamental shift in how we approach serious crime in Nigeria,” he said. “Every officer assigned to this unit has undergone intensive, specialized training in tactical operations, human rights compliance, intelligence analysis, and rules of engagement.”
He emphasized that the VCRU would operate strictly on credible intelligence and under clearly defined oversight mechanisms, including civilian accountability structures.
“They will not be deployed on speculation or prejudice. Their operations will be intelligence-driven and subject to structured review,” he noted, adding that Commissioners of Police would bear direct responsibility for the unit’s conduct and performance in their respective states.
The IGP directed all Commissioners to formally launch their VCRU operations in their states with the involvement of community stakeholders, traditional and religious leaders, and the media to ensure transparency and public awareness.
Reaffirming the centrality of community policing, the IGP mandated regular town hall engagements between police leadership and community groups across the country.
“Security is a collective enterprise. We need the trust, the cooperation, and the active partnership of the Nigerian people and we are committed to earning it,” he said.
In a move aimed at enhancing accessibility, he ordered Commissioners of Police to make their contact details available to community leaders.
“When a community leader needs to reach their Commissioner of Police, that line must be open. That is what community policing looks like in practice,” he stressed.
On accountability and human rights compliance, the IGP disclosed that the Force has intensified retraining programmes focused on lawful use of force and professional conduct, while reaffirming the continuous operation of the Police Complaints Response Unit.
“Any citizen with a legitimate complaint has a direct and accessible channel. We encourage Nigerians to use it, and we encourage the media to amplify it,” he said.
Addressing the circulation of videos depicting police misconduct, he acknowledged public concerns while assuring Nigerians of sustained reforms.
“Perception matters. We are working actively and with urgency to rebuild and sustain public trust. I ask Nigerians to judge us by our actions going forward,” he added.
In a decisive administrative move, IGP Disu ordered an immediate nationwide audit of arms and ammunition across all police commands, describing it as critical to strengthening accountability and operational readiness.
“This is not a routine administrative task. It is a critical measure to prevent misuse and ensure that all assets are properly accounted for and optimally deployed,” he stated.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for police reforms and charged Commissioners of Police to lead with integrity, discipline, and a people-centered approach.
“To every Commissioner of Police: you carry enormous responsibility. Lead with integrity, lead with discipline, and lead with the people and this Force will be transformed,” he charged.
He concluded with a message of reassurance to Nigerians, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to reform, accountability, and national security.
“We hear you, we are working, we are reforming, we are accountable, together, police and citizens we will build a safer, more just Nigeria where every person can live and thrive without fear,” IGP Disu declared.
