The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has announced sweeping reforms across the Nigeria Police Force, declaring zero tolerance for misconduct while unveiling a new tactical unit to combat violent crime nationwide.
As part of efforts to demonstrate renewed operational effectiveness, the police chief disclosed that intelligence-led operations in April 2026 led to the arrest of 280 suspects linked to terrorism, murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, and cultism, while 189 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued. He added that officers also recovered 140 firearms, 1,074 rounds of ammunition, and 37 stolen vehicles during the period.
Speaking at an emergency conference with Commissioners of Police and the press at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre in Abuja, the police chief addressed public concerns over accountability, professionalism, and operational effectiveness.
Delta Killing: Officers Dismissed, Prosecution Underway
The IGP opened his address by condemning the extra-judicial killing of a suspect in Delta State on April 26, describing it as “wrong, unlawful, and a violation of human life.”
He confirmed that the officers involved have been dismissed from service, and the case has been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for criminal prosecution.
“This incident does not define the Nigeria Police Force, but how we respond to it will,” Disu said, emphasizing a stance of “zero tolerance, full accountability, no exceptions.”
April Operations: Arrests, Rescues, Recoveries
Highlighting operational gains, the IGP revealed that in April 2026 alone, police recorded significant breakthroughs through intelligence-led operations:
- 28 suspected terrorists arrested
- 51 murder suspects apprehended
- 62 armed robbery suspects detained
- 85 kidnapping suspects arrested
- 54 suspected cultists taken into custody
- 189 kidnapped victims rescued
Additionally, officers recovered 140 firearms, 1,074 rounds of ammunition, and 37 stolen vehicles.
New Tactical Unit: Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU)
A major highlight of the conference was the unveiling of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a restructured and upgraded version of the former Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams.
According to Disu, the VCRU represents a “fundamental shift” in policing strategy, with officers undergoing specialized training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, human rights compliance, and rules of engagement.
The unit will operate strictly on verified intelligence and will be subject to civilian oversight and structured review mechanisms. Commissioners of Police will directly command the units in their respective states and will be held accountable for their conduct.
Community Policing Takes Centre Stage
The IGP reiterated that policing cannot succeed without public trust and participation. He directed all state Commissioners to hold regular town hall meetings with community stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and market associations.
In a move aimed at strengthening accessibility, Disu also ordered Commissioners to make their contact details available to community leaders.
“When citizens trust the police, they share information that saves lives,” he said, urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities.
Human Rights and Accountability Measures
The police chief disclosed ongoing nationwide retraining of officers, focusing on human rights, lawful use of force, and professional conduct.
He also reaffirmed the availability of the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU), which operates круглосуточно to receive and address public complaints.
Addressing viral videos of police misconduct circulating online, Disu noted that while some incidents were historical and already addressed, rebuilding public trust remains a priority.
Nationwide Audit of Arms Ordered
In a decisive move to strengthen internal accountability, the IGP directed all Commissioners of Police to conduct an immediate and comprehensive audit of arms and ammunition within their commands.
He stressed that the exercise is critical to preventing misuse, identifying gaps, and ensuring operational readiness.
The IGP expressed gratitude to President of Nigeria for continued support of police reforms and charged Commissioners to lead with integrity and discipline.
“To the Nigerian people: we hear you. We are working. We are reforming. We are accountable,” he said.
He concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between citizens and the police to build a safer and more just society.
