Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered sweeping reforms across the force following a deadly incident in Delta State. At an emergency meeting with police commissioners in Abuja on Tuesday, he announced disciplinary measures and the launch of a new tactical unit.
Disu called the April 26 killing of a suspect in Delta "wrong, unlawful, and a violation of human life." He confirmed the officers involved have been dismissed and their case forwarded for prosecution.
"Accountability will be pursued to its full and logical conclusion," he told the gathering. The police chief made clear this matter won't be ignored.
Investigations revealed the deceased suspect possessed a locally made Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition. Disu said the probe continues on other aspects of the incident.
Despite the controversy, the police leader highlighted April's operational successes. Officers arrested 28 suspected terrorists, 51 murder suspects, and 62 armed robbers during the month.
Kidnapping arrests totaled 85, while cultism-related arrests reached 54. Police rescued 189 kidnapped victims during the period.
The force recovered 140 firearms and 1,074 rounds of ammunition in April. Officers also retrieved 37 stolen vehicles.
Disu announced creation of the Violent Crime Response Unit to replace existing SWAT units nationwide. He described this as a "fundamental shift" in policing strategy.
Officers in the new unit will undergo specialized training. Training covers tactical operations, intelligence analysis, human rights compliance, and rules of engagement.
"This is not a rebranding exercise. These are professional officers trained to modern standards," he noted.
State commissioners will directly command the units and answer for their performance.
Disu stressed the new formations will operate on credible intelligence only. Civilian accountability mechanisms will provide oversight of their activities.
All police commissioners must now hold regular town hall meetings with communities. Participants will include traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and market associations.
Commissioners have been ordered to share their contact details with community leaders. Direct communication will speed up response to security threats.
"Security intelligence flows from communities," Disu said at the Abuja conference. He urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities to police.
Trust between police and citizens remains essential for effective security. When people believe in the force, they share vital information.
Police have intensified retraining focused on human rights and lawful force use. Professional conduct standards are being reinforced across all units.
Disu reaffirmed the Police Complaints Response Unit remains operational. Citizens can lodge complaints about officer misconduct through established channels.
He pledged zero tolerance for police wrongdoing going forward. Accountability and community engagement will define the force's new direction.
