IGP Disu meets CSOs, vows stronger Police accountability

By Ejire Folakunmi

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, NPM, on April 9, 2026, received a delegation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The delegation comprised key stakeholders from the legal, human rights, governance, and security reform sectors. Members included Mr. Femi Falana, SAN; Mr. Adesina Oke, Esq., of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADL); Barr. Okeke Chinwike of the African Law Foundation (AFRILAW); Ms. Barbara S. Magaji of Amnesty International; Mr. Anietie Ewang of Human Rights Watch (HRW); Mr. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa; Ms. Bathsheba Taglia of CISLAC/Transparency International Nigeria; Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo, Executive Director of Partners West Africa-Nigeria (PWAN); and Dr. Itia Otabor of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD).

In his remarks, Femi Falana, SAN, congratulated the IGP on his appointment and commended his vision of policing anchored on the protection of human rights. He urged strict compliance with the Nigeria Police Act 2020, particularly provisions on family notification upon arrest, suspects’ rights to legal representation, and the prohibition of arrests for civil matters.

Falana also called for stronger accountability measures to ensure officers uphold constitutional guarantees and are held liable in cases of misconduct.

Responding, IGP Disu expressed appreciation for the engagement of civil society and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred policing. He noted that effective policing must address both major crimes and the everyday concerns of citizens.

The IGP highlighted ongoing reforms within the Force, including the review of training manuals, improved officer welfare, and strict directives against involvement in civil disputes. He also pledged to strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms, particularly through the Complaint Response Unit and Monitoring Unit.

He expressed confidence that effective policing is attainable, reaffirming that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights in all its operations.