Setting Strategic Security Agenda for New IGP, Olatunji Disu

Nigerians and security experts have outlined a set of priority reforms and strategic actions they believe the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, should pursue to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force and enhance national security, writes Linus Aleke.

Nigerians and security experts have set out an extensive reform agenda for the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, urging him to take bold and deliberate steps to reposition the Nigeria Police Force for greater efficiency and public confidence. Central to their recommendations is the need for strong leadership that promotes professionalism, discipline and accountability, while restoring trust between the police and the communities they serve.

A recurring theme in their submissions is the adoption of intelligence-led policing to replace overreliance on checkpoints and routine patrols. According to stakeholders, improved intelligence gathering and analysis would enable the Force to respond more strategically to emerging threats and dismantle criminal networks nationwide.

They also emphasised that strengthening operational standards in line with international best practice would enhance the credibility and effectiveness of the police.

Improved welfare for officers and men of the Force was another major concern. Contributors highlighted the need for better remuneration, adequate uniforms, modern equipment and enhanced working conditions, noting that these measures would boost morale and encourage greater commitment to duty. They further called for the full implementation of the Police Act, particularly provisions relating to community policing and specialised units, stressing that closer collaboration between the police and local communities is vital to protecting lives and property nationwide.

Former Deputy Commander-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sule Momodu, advocated sweeping reforms, insisting that no police division should operate with fewer than 20 operational vehicles if crime is to be effectively tackled.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, he underscored the importance of adequate logistics within every division’s area of responsibility. Beyond patrol vehicles, he recommended the deployment of motorcycle, bicycle and foot patrols to improve security coverage, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Momodu urged the Acting Inspector-General to prioritise the full implementation of the amended Police Act, describing it as essential to repositioning the Force.

He argued that proper enforcement of the Act would enhance efficiency and service delivery. In addition to logistics, he called for improved welfare packages, including sufficient uniforms and footwear, as well as strengthened radio communication systems to ensure seamless information flow between divisional stations and state command headquarters.

He further maintained that intelligence-led policing should take precedence over static checkpoints and routine “show of force” operations, which he described as having limited impact. Congratulating Disu on his appointment, Momodu expressed confidence in his capacity to transform the Force into a more professional and people-friendly institution, while stressing that tangible reforms would ultimately define his tenure.

Drawing attention to Section 20 of the Police Act, Momodu noted that police officers should not earn less than other better-paid law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and urged immediate implementation of the provision. He also recommended activating sections of the Act that provide for specialised “spy police” units to guard premises and VIPs, with requesting organisations bearing the costs of recruitment, training and salaries.

This, he said, would reduce the financial burden on government and create employment opportunities, while allowing for the redeployment of thousands of officers previously assigned to VIP protection.

He additionally called for the activation of provisions relating to special constables to address policing gaps in underserved communities. To ensure comprehensive implementation of the law, he advised the Acting Inspector-General to obtain an executive summary of the Police Act from the Force’s legal department. Momodu also urged the reactivation of police call centres across state capitals and the inauguration of community policing committees at local government and state levels. Renovating divisional police stations nationwide, he added, would create conducive working environments and strengthen operational effectiveness.

Former spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ogbole Amedu Ode, similarly emphasised improved welfare, including better emoluments and housing, as a pathway to boosting morale. He also called for raising operational standards to meet international best practice. To enable the police assume full responsibility for internal security and allow the military to focus on defending the nation’s territorial integrity, he recommended increased recruitment to meet the widely referenced ratio of one police officer to 400 citizens.

Ace crime reporter and former President of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Odita Sunday, urged Disu to seek a state of emergency in police funding. He argued that meaningful reform would be impossible without adequately equipping and motivating the Force. According to him, an average police command should have no fewer than 500 patrol vehicles, supported by helicopters and drones. He further proposed substantial emergency funding, adequate monthly operational allocations for divisional headquarters and improved salaries for constables, warning that poor remuneration creates negative incentives and undermines professionalism.

Former Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Lawrence Alobi, called for robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent abuse of office by personnel. While commending President Bola Tinubu for appointing a capable officer, he urged Disu to focus on training, capacity building and effective supervision. Alobi stressed that proper oversight enables senior officers to guide subordinates and ensure smooth operations. He also advocated freeing the police from unnecessary political interference, arguing that operational control should rest fully with the Inspector-General, who understands the strengths and deployment needs of his officers.

Collectively, the contributors agreed that professionalism, improved welfare, intelligence-driven operations and faithful implementation of the Police Act are essential to repositioning the Nigeria Police Force. They expressed optimism that decisive leadership and sustained reforms under Acting Inspector-General Olatunji Disu could significantly strengthen internal security and restore public confidence in the Force.