April 21, (THEWILL) — The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Aliyu Abubakar, as the new Head of the Police Monitoring Unit, as part of a broader restructuring effort to strengthen internal oversight and address persistent accountability concerns within the Nigeria Police Force.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said the leadership change forms a key component of ongoing institutional reforms designed to enhance discipline, transparency, and operational effectiveness across the Force.
Placid explained that the restructuring of the Monitoring Unit is intended to refocus it on its core mandate, particularly at a time when public scrutiny of police conduct and internal accountability mechanisms remains high.
According to him, the reorganisation introduces a more robust framework for proactive monitoring, intelligence-driven inspections, and real-time oversight of police personnel and operations across Commands, Formations, and Departments nationwide.
“The Inspector-General has approved the restructuring of the Police Monitoring Unit to strengthen its capacity for effective oversight and enforcement of standards. This includes the appointment of a new head to drive the vision of a more accountable and responsive unit”, Placid stated.
The Monitoring Unit plays a critical role in identifying misconduct, enforcing professional standards, and ensuring compliance within the Force. However, it has faced criticism in the past over perceived inefficiencies and limited impact in curbing abuses and ensuring disciplinary actions against erring officers.
DCP Aliyu Abubakar, the newly appointed head, brings significant experience to the role, having previously served as DCP in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in both the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State Police Command.
During his tenure, Abubakar was involved in several high-profile investigations and worked closely with state authorities to modernise investigative approaches and enhance operational effectiveness. He is widely regarded within policing circles as a professional officer with a strong commitment to transparency and community engagement.
Placid noted that his appointment reflects the confidence of the IGP in his ability to reposition the Monitoring Unit and strengthen its oversight functions.
Despite this optimism, stakeholders stress that leadership changes must be accompanied by systemic improvements, including clearer accountability processes, transparency in disciplinary outcomes, and consistent enforcement of rules across all levels of the Force.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustained reforms, institutional development, and the delivery of a more citizen-focused policing system.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
