The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has pledged to deepen inclusive policing and ensure greater involvement of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in policing activities, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The IGP made the commitment on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, when he received a delegation from TAF Africa, led by its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jake Epelle, at the IGP’s Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the meeting focused on promoting inclusive policing, strengthening gender responsiveness and improving collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and communities of Persons Living with Disabilities.
Epelle commended the leadership of IGP Disu for what he described as an intentional approach to inclusive policing and also praised the professionalism of police personnel deployed during recent off-cycle elections, particularly the Osun State governorship election.
He urged the IGP to further develop a smart and inclusive security architecture that accommodates the needs and contributions of PWDs.
Epelle also sought the IGP’s support for the first Inclusive Security Summit, which is expected to be funded by the European Union, and requested that the police chief attend and declare the summit open.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, Mrs Brenda Anyanwu, called for stronger collaboration between the organisation and the Force Gender Unit to promote gender inclusivity within the Nigeria Police Force.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Mr Agaba Jacob, advocated greater involvement of PWDs in policing, particularly in intelligence-related assignments.
Jacob also urged the Police to strengthen protection for PWDs, whom he identified as among groups particularly vulnerable to criminal activities, including sexual offences.
The delegation further called for the development of structured frameworks to facilitate effective engagement between the Police and the PWD community, as well as the adoption of disability-focused policing strategies.
Responding, IGP Disu described the engagement as an eye-opening experience and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that police personnel are adequately trained and retrained on effective, dignified and respectful engagement with PWDs.
He stressed that the Police Force recognises the vulnerabilities and rights of Persons Living with Disabilities under relevant national and international laws.
The IGP further pledged to promote the inclusion of PWDs in policing, particularly during the forthcoming general elections, assuring that measures would be put in place to enable them exercise their civic rights freely without humiliation, intimidation or discrimination.
The meeting reinforced the Police Force’s commitment to building a more inclusive security architecture through strategic partnerships and policies designed to ensure that all residents receive equal protection and access to security services.
