Susan Abayomi
The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for what it described as a more proactive and community-centred approach to policing during his first six months in office.
Disu assumed office in February 2026 as Nigeria’s 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police, with his appointment subsequently ratified by the Nigeria Police Council. According to CAIDOV, his first 180 days have been marked by greater emphasis on intelligence-led operations, personnel welfare and engagement with communities.
The organisation said the approach represents a shift from predominantly reactive policing towards crime prevention, intelligence gathering and faster operational responses. It also highlighted the use of technology, including drones and surveillance systems, as well as improved intelligence-sharing among security agencies.
CAIDOV also praised efforts to strengthen coordination across the country. It noted the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police to the six geopolitical zones and the commencement of inter-state patrols as measures aimed at improving operational coordination and security responses.
The organisation’s Executive Director, Gbenga Soloki, said the assessment of Disu’s first six months showed a leadership approach focused on equipping personnel, engaging citizens and promoting accountability. He said the emerging strategy was helping to make the police more responsive to the communities they serve.
On personnel welfare, CAIDOV pointed to improvements in operational support and career progression. The organisation cited the promotion of 17,952 junior police officers approved by Disu in May as part of efforts to boost morale and strengthen institutional capacity.
CAIDOV further welcomed the emphasis on citizen-focused policing, stressing that public trust is essential to effective law enforcement. It said stronger complaint-response mechanisms, community engagement and respectful interaction between police officers and citizens would help improve confidence in the Police Force.
The group, however, called for the reforms to be sustained and extended to commands and divisions across the country. It urged the police leadership to continue investing in training, community partnerships and transparent accountability.
CAIDOV also encouraged citizens to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies by providing useful information while demanding professionalism and respect for their rights.
The organisation acknowledged that six months was still an early period for assessing the long-term impact of the reforms but said the direction of Disu’s leadership provided grounds for continued engagement and scrutiny.
It therefore urged the Inspector-General to consolidate the gains recorded so far and ensure that the goal of proactive, accountable and citizen-centred policing translates into noticeable improvements in the everyday security experience of Nigerians.
