Disu assures Nigerians of intelligence-driven policing, prioritises officers’ welfare
…says state police ‘has come to stay’ …vows security agencies ready for fallout from global tensions The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, has assured Nigerians that the Police Force
...says state police ‘has come to stay’
...vows security agencies ready for fallout from global tensions
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, has assured Nigerians that the Police Force is strengthening intelligence-driven policing to forestall security threats arising from global tensions and domestic developments.
Speaking with journalists at the State House after he was sworn in as Nigeria's 23rd Chief of Police, Disu said security agencies were already taking proactive steps to monitor developments and prevent unrest, including possible protests linked to international events.
Disu explained that the Police Force was closely monitoring groups with ideological or religious affiliations that may react to developments in other parts of the world.
“Everywhere in the world, we are aware that what we practise is intelligence policing. Our ears are to the ground.
“We know we have groups of people, different kinds of Islamic sects in Nigeria. We have those who pay allegiance to this eastern part of the world as well. So we know if anything happens in the eastern part of the world, the repercussion will come to us
“So we are putting all necessary actions in place. You can see policemen on patrol, and most importantly, we are talking to them to ensure that they do not take laws and orders into their hands,” he added.
The IGP emphasised that under his leadership, the Force would operate with a renewed commitment to public service and accountability to the Nigerian people.
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According to him, officers and men of the Force must constantly remind themselves that they serve the citizens.
“I made up my mind to ensure that my officers get to know that we are working for the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the citizens of the country are our bosses,” he said.
Disu also weighed in on the ongoing national debate over the creation of state police, declaring that the concept was inevitable and that the Nigeria Police Force would actively participate in shaping its implementation.
He revealed that a committee had already been constituted to examine the proposed reform from the perspective of the police institution.
“We don’t want it to seem as if others are taking decisions and we, the most important people concerned, did not do anything,” he said.
“We want to ensure that the best thing is done. State police has come to stay, and the police should be able to do their own part in making it succeed.
“The police are not afraid. Our jobs are not being taken. It’s just an issue of partnership,” the IGP added.
The police chief further identified officers’ welfare as a major priority of his administration, stressing that effective policing could only be achieved when personnel are adequately motivated and supported.
He noted that the demands of policing often come with significant sacrifices, including long hours away from family and exposure to life-threatening situations.
“It is somebody who is well motivated who will put in their best. Our jobs are very difficult,” he said.
Disu recalled that during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory, the Force lost a significant number of personnel in the line of duty.
“A few years ago, when I was Commissioner of Police, FCT, I was bold enough to announce that we lost 140 police officers in just one year.
“So the jobs are difficult. Men sleep out. A lot of people don’t have time to go back to their families. So the welfare is very, very vital,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that the welfare of officers would receive improved attention under the current administration.
“I’m lucky to be working with a president who has made up his mind to give us whatever we want,” Disu added.
