March 04, (THEWILL) — The newly sworn-in Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has assured Nigerians of strengthened security while outlining a leadership agenda focused on accountability, personnel welfare, and active participation in shaping state police reforms.
Speaking to journalists at the State House, shortly after his inauguration as Nigeria’s 23rd IGP, Disu said the Nigeria Police Force is intensifying intelligence-led operations to anticipate and prevent security threats arising from both domestic and global developments.
“Everywhere in the world, we practise intelligence policing. Our ears are to the ground. We know we have groups of people, different Islamic sects in Nigeria, some influenced by events abroad. So we are putting all necessary actions in place. You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to people to ensure they do not take the law into their hands”, Disu stated.
Disu emphasised that under his leadership, the Nigeria Police Force would operate with a renewed sense of duty to the public.
“I made up my mind to ensure that my officers understand that we are working for the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the citizens of this country are our bosses”, he said.
On the national debate over state police, Disu described the reform as inevitable and assured that the Nigeria Police Force would actively participate in shaping its implementation. A committee has already been constituted to review the reform proposals from the perspective of the Force.
“We want to ensure that the best outcomes are achieved. State police have come to stay, and the police should play a role in making it succeed. Our jobs are not being taken; this is a partnership”, he added.
The IGP highlighted the importance of personnel welfare as central to effective policing, acknowledging the sacrifices made by officers, including long hours away from family and exposure to life-threatening situations.
Recalling his tenure as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, he noted that 140 officers lost their lives in a single year, underscoring the risks inherent in policing.
“The jobs are difficult. Officers often sleep out and spend little time with their families. Welfare is therefore very, very vital”, he said.
Disu expressed confidence that under the current administration, officers’ welfare would receive greater attention and support.
“I’m lucky to be working with a president who has made up his mind to give us what we need”, he concluded.
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