IGP Disu Hosts CSOs, Pledges Stronger Police Accountability, Human Rights Protection
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Thursday in Abuja reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening accountability mechanisms within the Nigeria Police Force during a high-level engagement with civil society leaders.
The meeting, held at the Force Headquarters, brought together a delegation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) led by prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana. The delegation included key actors from the legal, governance, and security reform sectors, reflecting a broad coalition advocating institutional reforms in policing.
Speaking during the visit, Falana congratulated the IGP on his appointment and commended his articulated vision of a policing system anchored on the protection of human rights. He, however, stressed the need for strict adherence to the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, particularly regarding suspects’ rights.
Read Also:
Falana highlighted critical concerns such as the obligation of the police to notify families upon arrest, ensure access to legal representation, and refrain from intervening in civil disputes. He called for the institutionalization of stronger accountability frameworks to guarantee that officers operate within constitutional limits and are sanctioned for misconduct.
In his response, IGP Disu expressed appreciation for the constructive engagement by civil society and reiterated his commitment to people-oriented policing. He noted that effective law enforcement must not only tackle serious crimes but also address the routine concerns of citizens.
The police chief outlined ongoing reform initiatives within the Force, including the revision of training manuals, enhancement of officers’ welfare, and the enforcement of directives prohibiting police involvement in civil matters. He also pledged to strengthen internal oversight structures, particularly the Complaint Response Unit and the Monitoring Unit, to improve transparency and responsiveness.
Disu maintained that the Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in advancing accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration with civil society would enhance public trust and operational effectiveness.
By PRNigeria
