Inspector-General of Police Initiates Major Reforms Following Delta State Incident
In the wake of the dismissal of police officers implicated in alleged extrajudicial killings in Delta State, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). This initiative includes the establishment of a new elite tactical unit aimed at enhancing the battle against violent crime across the nation.
Commitment to Accountability and Community Engagement
During an emergency meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, IGP Disu emphasized the police force’s commitment to a “zero tolerance” approach towards illegal activities. He outlined a strategy focused on increasing accountability and fostering greater community engagement throughout Nigeria.
Response to Violent Incidents in Delta State
Referring to the widely reported incident on April 26 in Delta State, Disu expressed that the killing of a suspect by a police officer was both unlawful and a grave violation of human rights. He confirmed the dismissal of the responsible officer and his team, indicating that the case file had been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office for criminal investigation.
Operational Achievements Amid Controversy
Despite the ongoing scrutiny, the police chief highlighted significant operational successes achieved in April 2026, attributed to intelligence-driven initiatives. This included the arrest of 28 terrorism suspects, 51 individuals implicated in murder, 62 armed robbery suspects, and 85 kidnappers. A total of 189 kidnapping victims were rescued, alongside the recovery of 140 firearms and 1,074 rounds of ammunition, in addition to 37 stolen vehicles.
Introduction of the Violent Crimes Response Unit
As part of an ambitious structural reform, the NPF announced the formation of the Violent Crimes Response Unit (VCRU). This unit aims to replace and enhance the existing Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams. Disu asserted that the VCRU signifies a “fundamental change” in policing strategy, with officers undergoing specialized training focused on tactical operations, intelligence analysis, compliance with human rights, and rules of engagement.
Building Public Trust Through Community Engagement
To restore public trust, Disu mandated that state police chiefs enhance community policing efforts through regular town hall meetings with key stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, youth organizations, and market groups. He urged all police commissioners to provide their contact information to community leaders, facilitating direct communication for swift responses to security concerns. “Security information flows from the community,” he stated, advocating for active reporting of suspicious activities.
Ongoing Training, Accountability, and Reform
The IGP reiterated the ongoing retraining programs for officers concentrating on human rights, lawful use of force, and professional conduct. He affirmed the continuous operations of the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU), encouraging citizens to utilize this platform to report misconduct. Addressing the circulation of videos depicting previous police misconduct, Disu recognized the necessity of rebuilding public confidence, stating, “We want Nigerians to judge us by our actions going forward.”
Strengthening Internal Controls and Accountability
As part of enhancing internal oversight, the IGP has instructed all national commands to undertake a thorough audit of arms and ammunition. Disu emphasized that this exercise is crucial for maintaining accountability, preventing misuse, and ensuring the appropriate assessment of operational necessities. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for supporting police reform initiatives and urged police commissioners to embody discipline and integrity in their leadership.
