The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Tuesday convened an emergency conference with senior leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, announcing a series of reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, professionalism, and operational efficiency across the country.
The high-level meeting, held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, brought together members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and Commissioners of Police. The session, which was also attended by members of the press, focused on addressing pressing national security concerns and outlining new strategic directives for commands nationwide.
In his address, Disu stressed the urgency of entrenching transparency, discipline, and leadership responsibility within the Force, noting that Nigeria’s evolving security challenges require a more responsive and intelligence-driven policing system.
The IGP 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 core values of the Force. He confirmed that the officers implicated have been dismissed, with the matter now forwarded for criminal prosecution. Reaffirming a zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, Disu emphasized that no officer would be shielded from the law.
Highlighting operational gains for April 2026, the police chief disclosed that intelligence-led operations led to 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 successfully rescued, while operatives recovered 140 firearms, 1,074 rounds of ammunition, and 37 stolen vehicles.
As part of a major structural overhaul, Disu announced the creation of a new tactical formation—the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU)—designed to enhance rapid response to serious and violent crimes. According to him, the unit will operate strictly on intelligence-based deployment, backed by specialized training, adherence to human rights standards, and strict accountability measures. Commissioners of Police will bear direct oversight responsibility for the unit in their respective jurisdictions.
The IGP further directed Commissioners of Police nationwide to deepen community policing efforts through regular town hall meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other key stakeholders. He also mandated that commissioners make their contact details readily available to community leaders to improve communication and build public trust.
Disu reiterated that ongoing reforms within the Force are centered on professionalism, discipline, human rights compliance, and public accountability. He pointed to existing accountability mechanisms such as the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU) as part of efforts to strengthen public confidence.
The Nigeria Police Force, he said, remains committed to institutional reform, improved operational effectiveness, and the protection of the rights and safety of all Nigerians.
The statement was issued by Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, on May 5, 2026.