The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Tuesday convened an emergency conference with senior leadership of the Nigeria Police Force at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, announcing key reforms aimed at strengthening accountability and operational efficiency.
The high-level meeting, attended by members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and the media, focused on addressing pressing national security concerns and outlining strategic directives for commands nationwide.
In his address, the IGP underscored the need for transparency, discipline, and leadership responsibility across all ranks, noting that Nigeria’s evolving security challenges require a more responsive, intelligence-driven, and accountable policing framework.
He also addressed a recent incident in Delta State involving the extra-judicial killing of a suspect, condemning the act as unlawful and contrary to the Force’s values. According to him, the officers implicated have been dismissed, while the matter has been forwarded for criminal prosecution. He reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that no officer is above the law.
Highlighting operational achievements for April 2026, Disu disclosed that intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of 28 suspected terrorists, 51 murder suspects, 62 armed robbery suspects, 85 kidnapping suspects, and 54 suspected cultists. He added that 189 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 140 firearms, 1,074 rounds of ammunition, and 37 stolen vehicles were recovered.
As part of ongoing reforms, the IGP announced the establishment of a Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a restructured tactical formation designed to enhance responses to serious crimes. He said the unit would operate on intelligence-based deployment, supported by specialised training, strict adherence to human rights standards, and defined accountability structures, with Commissioners of Police directly responsible for oversight.
The police chief further directed Commissioners nationwide to deepen community policing through regular town hall meetings with stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, and community groups. He also mandated that Commissioners make their contact details readily accessible to community leaders to strengthen communication and public trust.
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to institutional reform, Disu said ongoing initiatives are focused on professionalism, discipline, human rights compliance, and public accountability, supported by mechanisms such as the Police Complaints Response Unit.
The Nigeria Police Force, he added, remains committed to enhancing operational effectiveness and safeguarding the rights and security of all citizens.
