The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening accountability and human rights compliance within the Nigeria Police Force following a high-level engagement with civil society leaders in Abuja.
The meeting, held at the Force Headquarters, brought together a distinguished delegation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) led by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana. The delegation featured key figures from the legal, governance, and human rights sectors, including representatives of Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Yiaga Africa, Transparency International Nigeria, and Partners West Africa Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the visit was described as part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the police and civil society in advancing democratic policing and institutional reforms.
Speaking during the engagement, Falana congratulated the IGP on his appointment and lauded his vision of policing anchored on human rights protection. He, however, emphasized the need for strict adherence to the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, particularly in areas concerning suspects’ rights, legal representation, and the prohibition of arrests in civil disputes. He further called for robust accountability systems to ensure erring officers are held responsible for misconduct.
In his response, IGP Disu expressed appreciation for the delegation’s constructive engagement, noting that effective policing must reflect the needs and rights of the people. He reiterated his administration’s focus on people-centered policing and outlined key reform initiatives, including the review of training manuals, enhancement of officer welfare, and enforcement of strict directives against unlawful interference in civil matters.
The police chief also pledged to strengthen internal accountability structures, particularly the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) and Monitoring Unit, to ensure transparency and prompt redress of public grievances.
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to professionalism and public trust, the IGP assured that ongoing reforms would continue to prioritize accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights in all police operations nationwide.
