…Directs CPs to strengthen accountability, improve community policing, and conduct arms audit nationwide_
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has announced sweeping reforms across the Nigeria Police Force, including the immediate restructuring of anti-crime operations, stronger accountability systems, and a renewed push for community policing following the controversial extra-judicial killing of a suspect in Delta State.
Speaking during the Officers and Senior Officers Conference with Commissioners of Police and members of the press at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday, the IGP said the current security situation in the country demands urgent action, transparency, and full accountability from the police leadership.
He said the conference was convened to reinforce discipline, restore public trust, and reposition the Force to meet modern security challenges.
Addressing the Delta State incident that sparked national outrage, Disu described the killing of a suspect on April 26 as unlawful, wrong, and a violation of both human rights and professional policing standards.
He disclosed that the officer responsible, along with members of his team, had been dismissed from service, while the case file had been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for criminal prosecution.
“The matter will not be swept aside. Accountability will be pursued to its full and logical conclusion,” he said.
The IGP, however, noted that the suspect was found in possession of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and four rounds of live 9mm ammunition, adding that investigations were still ongoing.
He stressed that while the incident does not define the Nigeria Police Force, the response to it would determine public confidence in the institution.
In reviewing the Force’s operational achievements for April 2026, the IGP revealed that police operatives arrested 28 suspected terrorists, 51 murder and culpable homicide suspects, 62 armed robbery suspects, 85 suspected kidnappers, and 54 suspected cultists.
He added that 189 kidnapped victims were rescued during intelligence-led operations nationwide.
According to him, police also recovered 140 assorted firearms, 1,074 rounds of ammunition, and 37 stolen vehicles within the month under review.
As part of institutional reforms, the IGP announced the reorganisation of the Special Weapons and Tactics units into a new formation known as the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
He explained that the VCRU is designed to improve the police response to serious crimes through better training, intelligence-led operations, and strict human rights compliance.
“This is not a rebranding exercise. It is a fundamental shift in how we approach violent crime in Nigeria,” he stated.
Disu said officers deployed to the VCRU have undergone specialised tactical training, intelligence analysis, and rules of engagement, while civilian oversight mechanisms have also been integrated into the operational framework.
He added that every Commissioner of Police would directly supervise the VCRU in their respective states and would be held fully accountable for the unit’s discipline, conduct, and results.
The IGP further directed all state police commissioners to publicly launch the VCRU in the presence of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and the media to promote transparency and trust.
On community policing, Disu said security cannot be achieved by the police alone, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to effective law enforcement.
He ordered Commissioners of Police to hold regular town hall meetings with traditional institutions, market leaders, youth groups, women’s associations, transport unions, and other stakeholders.
He also directed all CPs to make their contact details available to community leaders to ensure direct access and improve intelligence sharing.
“When citizens trust the police, they share what they know. That information saves lives. If you see something, say something,” he urged Nigerians.
The police chief also reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to human rights and accountability, saying officers are undergoing continuous retraining on lawful use of force and professional conduct.
He reminded Nigerians that the Police Complaints Response Unit remains active 24 hours a day and encouraged citizens to report misconduct through official channels.
Responding to concerns over viral videos of police misconduct circulating on social media, Disu acknowledged the damage such incidents have caused to public trust but maintained that some of the officers involved had already been sanctioned.
He said the Force is working urgently to rebuild confidence and urged Nigerians to judge the police by its current reforms and future actions.
In another major directive, the IGP ordered all Commissioners of Police to immediately conduct a comprehensive audit of arms and ammunition within their commands.
He said the audit would strengthen accountability, prevent misuse, and provide a clearer assessment of operational needs across the Force.
“This is not a routine administrative task. It is a critical measure to enhance readiness and ensure all police assets are properly accounted for,” he said.
Disu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting reforms within the Nigeria Police Force and strengthening institutional policing structures.
He charged all Commissioners of Police to lead with discipline, integrity, and people-centred service.
“To the Nigerian people, we hear you. We are working. We are reforming. We are accountable. Together, we will build a safer and more just Nigeria,” he said.
