The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged stronger accountability measures within the Nigeria Police Force following a high-level engagement with civil society organisations in Abuja.
The meeting, held at the Force Headquarters, brought together human rights lawyer Femi Falana and representatives from organisations including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Yiaga Africa, and Transparency International.
Falana urged the police leadership to ensure strict compliance with the Nigeria Police Act 2020, calling for the protection of suspects’ rights, including access to legal representation and proper notification of family members after arrest.
He also called for stronger internal disciplinary systems to ensure officers who violate constitutional rights are held accountable.
In response, the IGP reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred policing, noting that effective law enforcement must address both serious crimes and the everyday concerns of citizens.
Disu outlined ongoing reforms within the force, including updated training programmes, improved welfare for officers, and directives aimed at preventing police involvement in civil disputes.
He also pledged to strengthen internal oversight mechanisms such as the Complaint Response Unit and Monitoring Unit to enhance transparency and accountability.
The meeting comes amid renewed calls for reforms in Nigeria’s policing system, with analysts stressing the need for improved compliance with the Police Act to rebuild public trust.
Civil society groups described the engagement as a positive step toward institutional reform, while observers say attention will now shift to the implementation of promised changes and enforcement of accountability measures.