According to Linus Aleke, Nigerians and security experts have presented a list of strategic initiatives and changes that they think Acting Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu should follow in order to improve national security and fortify the Nigeria Police Force.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has been presented with a comprehensive reform agenda by Nigerians and security professionals, who have urged him to take decisive action to reposition the Nigeria Police Force for increased efficiency and public trust. The necessity for strong leadership that fosters professionalism, discipline, and responsibility while rebuilding confidence between the police and the communities they serve is at the heart of their recommendations.
The use of intelligence-led policing to replace an excessive reliance on checkpoints and routine patrols is a recurrent theme in their submissions. Stakeholders claim that better intelligence collection and analysis would allow the Force to break up criminal networks across the country and respond more strategically to new threats.
Additionally, they emphasized that the police would be more credible and effective if operational standards were strengthened in accordance with worldwide best practices.
Another top priority was bettering the wellbeing of Force officers and personnel. In order to raise morale and promote greater dedication to duty, contributors emphasized the need for improved working conditions, contemporary equipment, appropriate clothing, and higher compensation. They emphasized that stronger cooperation between the police and local communities is essential to safeguarding lives and property across the country and asked for the full implementation of the Police Act, especially the sections pertaining to community policing and specialized units.
Sule Momodu, a former deputy commander-general of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), argued for broad reforms, stating that in order to effectively combat crime, no police division should have fewer than 20 operating cars.
Speaking during a news conference in Abuja, he emphasized the significance of sufficient logistics under each division’s purview. In addition to patrol cars, he suggested using bicycles, motorcycles, and foot patrols to increase security coverage, particularly in remote locations.
In order to reposition the Force, Momodu advised the Acting Inspector-General to give the full implementation of the new Police Act first priority.
He maintained that the Act’s correct application would improve productivity and service provision. He demanded better welfare packages, including enough uniforms and shoes, as well as upgraded radio communication equipment to guarantee smooth information transfer between divisional stations and state command headquarters, in addition to logistics.
Additionally, he insisted that intelligence-led policing should be prioritized above regular “show of force” operations and static roadblocks, which he claimed had little effect. While congratulating Disu on his appointment, Momodu emphasized that concrete reforms would ultimately define his term and expressed confidence in his ability to make the Force a more professional and people-friendly organization.
Momodu called attention to Section 20 of the Police Act, stating that police officers in Nigeria should not be paid less than those in other law enforcement agencies. He also called for the clause to be put into effect right away. Additionally, he suggested activating the Act’s provisions for specialized “spy police” teams to protect properties and VIPs, with the requesting organizations covering the costs of hiring, training, and compensation.
He claimed that this would enable the redeployment of thousands of personnel who had previously been tasked with protecting VIPs, lessen the financial strain on the government, and provide job possibilities.
In order to close policing gaps in marginalized neighborhoods, he also urged the activation of special constable laws. He suggested that the Acting Inspector-General get an executive summary of the Police Act from the Force’s legal department to guarantee thorough implementation of the law. Momodu also called for the establishment of community policing committees at the municipal and state levels, as well as the reactivation of police call centers in state capitals. He stated that improving divisional police stations across the country would improve operational performance and foster favorable working conditions.
Ambassador Ogbole Amedu Ode, a former spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also emphasized better welfare, such as better housing and salaries, as a means of raising morale. Additionally, he demanded that operational standards be raised to align with global best practices. He suggested increasing recruiting to reach the widely cited ratio of one police officer to 400 inhabitants so that the police could take entire responsibility for internal security and the military could concentrate on protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
Odita Sunday, a renowned crime reporter and former president of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), called on Disu to request a state of emergency for police funds. He maintained that without sufficient Force motivation and equipment, significant transformation would be difficult. He asserts that a typical police command should have at least 500 patrol cars, assisted by drones and helicopters. He also suggested significant emergency financing, sufficient monthly operational allotments for divisional headquarters, and higher constable salaries, cautioning that inadequate compensation weakens professionalism and creates unfavorable incentives.
In order to stop employees from abusing their positions, former FCT Command Commissioner of Police Lawrence Alobi advocated for strong oversight procedures. He advised Disu to concentrate on training, capacity building, and efficient monitoring while praising President Bola Tinubu for selecting a skilled officer. Alobi emphasized that effective supervision allows senior executives to direct subordinates and guarantee seamless operations. Additionally, he argued that the Inspector-General, who is familiar with the capabilities and deployment requirements of his officers, should have complete operational discretion, freeing the police from needless political meddling.
The authors as a whole concurred that repositioning the Nigeria Police Force requires professionalism, better welfare, intelligence-driven operations, and faithful application of the Police Act. They expressed hope that Acting Inspector-General Olatunji Disu’s resolute leadership and persistent reforms would greatly improve internal security and rebuild public trust in the Force.
