The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to far-reaching institutional reforms aimed at repositioning the Force into a modern, accountable and citizen-focused security institution capable of effectively addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The IGP made the commitment during a high-level stakeholders’ dialogue held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja in collaboration with the Police Reform Secretariat. The strategic engagement brought together international development partners, diplomats, security experts and representatives of multilateral organisations to discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen policing standards and improve public trust in law enforcement across the country.
Among the organisations and diplomatic missions represented at the dialogue were the United Nations Development Programme, UN Women, the British High Commission, as well as officials from Germany, Spain and Slovakia. Representatives of the National Institute for Police Studies also participated in the engagement.
According to a statement shared on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, on X, the meeting focused on strengthening institutional partnerships and reviewing progress made under the ongoing police reform initiatives being implemented by the current police leadership.
Speaking during the dialogue, Disu stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to building what he described as “a modern, professional, intelligence-led and accountable institution rooted in the rule of law, respect for human rights and community partnership.”
The police boss explained that the reform agenda goes beyond structural adjustments and is designed to fundamentally transform policing culture, operational standards and public engagement mechanisms within the Force.
He stated that the ongoing reforms are targeted at enhancing professionalism among officers, deepening accountability, improving operational efficiency and integrating modern technology into policing operations nationwide.
According to him, the evolving nature of insecurity in Nigeria, including cybercrime, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other transnational crimes, requires a more intelligence-driven and technologically advanced police institution capable of responding swiftly and effectively to emerging threats.
Disu further noted that community partnership remains central to the new policing strategy, stressing that sustainable security can only be achieved through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and members of the public.
The IGP also reiterated the Force’s commitment to protecting human rights and ensuring that police operations align with democratic principles and the rule of law, amid growing calls for improved accountability and professionalism within the nation’s security architecture.
Participants at the meeting reportedly commended the Nigeria Police Force for opening its reform process to international collaboration and stakeholder engagement, describing such partnerships as essential for institutional growth and sustainable security sector development.
Representatives of the development partners also expressed readiness to continue supporting capacity-building initiatives, training programmes, policy development and technical assistance aimed at strengthening policing standards in Nigeria.
Security analysts believe the renewed reform drive by the current police leadership could help restore public confidence in the Force if effectively implemented and sustained over time.
In recent years, the Nigeria Police Force has come under intense scrutiny over issues relating to misconduct, human rights concerns, inadequate training and operational inefficiencies, prompting repeated calls from civil society groups and international observers for comprehensive reforms.
The latest engagement is seen as part of broader efforts by the police leadership to deepen transparency, improve institutional credibility and align Nigeria’s policing system with global best practices.
Observers also note that partnerships with international organisations and foreign missions could provide critical support in areas such as digital policing, forensic investigations, intelligence gathering, gender-sensitive policing and human rights compliance.
With Nigeria continuing to face complex security challenges across different parts of the country, stakeholders say sustained reforms, improved welfare for officers, enhanced training and stronger community engagement will remain vital to building a more effective and trusted police institution.
The dialogue in Abuja is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and international partners as authorities continue efforts to modernise the institution and strengthen internal security management across the country.
