The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to human rights, accountability, and people-centred policing during a high-level meeting with civil society leaders in Abuja.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the IGP received a distinguished delegation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, at the Force Headquarters.
The delegation included key figures from the legal, human rights, governance, and security reform sectors, such as Adesina Oke of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADL), Okeke Chinwike of the African Law Foundation (AFRILAW), Barbara S. Magaji of Amnesty International, Anietie Ewang of Human Rights Watch (HRW), Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa, Bathsheba Taglia of CISLAC/Transparency International Nigeria, Kemi Okenyodo of Partners West Africa-Nigeria (PWAN), and Itia Otabor of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development.
In his remarks, Falana congratulated the IGP on his appointment and commended his vision of policing anchored on the protection of human rights. He urged strict adherence to the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, particularly in areas such as notifying families upon arrest, ensuring suspects’ access to legal representation, and prohibiting arrests over civil matters.
Falana also called for stronger accountability mechanisms within the Force, stressing the need to hold officers responsible for misconduct and ensure respect for constitutional rights.
Responding, IGP Disu expressed appreciation for the engagement and reaffirmed his commitment to reforms aimed at strengthening public trust. He emphasized that effective policing must address both serious crimes and everyday concerns of citizens.
The police chief outlined ongoing reforms, including the review of training manuals, improved welfare for officers, and strict directives against вмешательство in civil disputes. He also pledged to enhance the operations of the Complaint Response Unit and Monitoring Unit to ensure greater transparency and responsiveness.
Disu reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights in all its operations, expressing confidence that effective and citizen-focused policing is achievable.
