The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Tuesday convened an emergency meeting with top officers of the Nigeria Police Force at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he outlined fresh measures aimed at strengthening discipline, accountability and operational direction across the country.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, on May 5, 2026.
The meeting brought together members of the Force Management Team, Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police, with journalists also present. It focused on pressing security issues nationwide and set out directives for commands and formations.
In his remarks, the police chief stressed the need for transparency, discipline and responsible leadership within the ranks, stating that changing security realities require a policing style that is responsive, accountable and driven by intelligence.
Addressing a recent incident in Delta State involving the extra-judicial killing of a suspect, Disu described the action as “unlawful and inconsistent with the values of the Nigeria Police Force.” He confirmed that the officers involved had been dismissed and that the matter had been forwarded for criminal prosecution. The IGP maintained that the Force operates a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct, adding that no officer is above the law.
The police boss also presented operational figures for April 2026, revealing that intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of 28 suspected terrorists, 51 murder suspects, 62 armed robbery suspects, 85 kidnapping suspects and 54 suspected cultists. He added that 189 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 140 firearms, 1,074 rounds of ammunition and 37 stolen vehicles were recovered.
As part of the new measures, Disu announced the creation of the Violent Crime Response Unit, a tactical formation set up to tackle serious crimes. He said the unit would rely on intelligence-based deployment, backed by specialised training, respect for human rights and clear accountability structures, with Commissioners of Police directly overseeing its activities.
The IGP also directed Commissioners to deepen community policing through regular town hall meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community groups. He instructed them to make their contact details available to local leaders to improve communication and build public confidence.
He added that ongoing changes within the Force are centred on professionalism, discipline, respect for human rights and public accountability, supported by platforms such as the Police Complaints Response Unit.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to reforms, improved operations and the protection of lives and rights across the country.