Under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwanu Disu, the Nigeria Police Force is undergoing a progressive shift toward professionalism, operational efficiency, and respect for democratic institutions. Decisive actions to enforce discipline and eradicate impunity signal a deliberate effort to restore public confidence, addressing a long-standing trust deficit caused by misconduct and lack of accountability.
Strategic Restructuring of Election Security
One of the clearest demonstrations of this reform commitment is the strategic restructuring of election security. Historically, electoral violence, voter intimidation, and allegations of partisanship by security agencies have severely undermined public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process. Recognizing this challenge, IGP Disu has consistently demanded strict professionalism, absolute neutrality, and adherence to the law from all officers deployed for election duties.
This fresh approach was fully implemented ahead of the governorship election in Ekiti State. The Inspector-General worked closely with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to build a robust security architecture. This comprehensive framework covered all 16 local government areas, 154 wards, and more than 2,500 polling units across the state. Personnel and tactical assets were strategically deployed to protect voters, election officials, observers, and sensitive electoral materials. All officers were thoroughly briefed on their strict rules of engagement and reminded that their primary allegiance belongs to the Constitution, not to any political interest.
Reassuring Citizens and Warning Offenders
The IGP repeatedly reassured citizens that they could exercise their democratic rights without fear of intimidation or harassment. At the same time, he issued stern warnings to political actors and potential electoral offenders, making it clear that anyone attempting to undermine the integrity of the process would face the full weight of the law. His message was simple, direct, and unambiguous: the police would be impartial, professional, and firm. This proactive stance set a clear boundary for all participants, emphasizing that security forces would prioritize national interests over political factions.
The peaceful outcome of the Ekiti governorship election validated this strict approach. The election was widely praised as orderly, secure, and largely free of major security incidents that historically marred past polls. Similarly, recent National Assembly bye-elections conducted across several states recorded significantly fewer incidents of violence and disruption. This improvement has reinforced public confidence in the evolving election security framework coordinated by the police and sister agencies. The growing perception that elections can be protected without intimidation stands as an important democratic achievement.
Accountability for Misconduct
Beyond election security, Disu’s approach to strict accountability has contributed significantly to rebuilding public trust. A powerful example emerged following the tragic killing of Mene Ogidi in Delta State. The incident generated widespread public outrage and threatened to revive the painful institutional tensions that previously culminated in the EndSARS protests. Rather than resorting to institutional defensiveness, the Inspector-General responded decisively: the officers involved were immediately removed from operational duties, disciplinary proceedings were initiated, and criminal prosecution was ordered. Most importantly, the IGP publicly condemned the actions as criminal, sending a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated.
For decades, a major criticism of the police was the perception that officers operated with total impunity under institutional protection. By firmly establishing that the uniform confers responsibility rather than immunity, IGP Disu has signaled a decisive shift toward internal discipline. This active willingness to hold rogue officers accountable has strengthened public trust, proving that the Force is becoming genuinely responsive to citizens’ concerns and committed to professional standards.
Collaboration with Stakeholders
Another notable feature of this leadership is the emphasis on improved collaboration with key external stakeholders. Whether engaging traditional rulers, civil society organizations, electoral bodies, or international observers, the Inspector-General consistently projects policing as a shared partnership rather than a unilateral exercise of state authority. His direct participation in the peace accord signing ahead of the Ekiti governorship election reflected this modern philosophy of inclusion and constructive dialogue.
Ultimately, rebuilding trust in an institution of over 370,000 personnel across a country as complex as Nigeria is a long-term journey rather than a single event. Setbacks, isolated misconduct, and operational challenges will inevitably persist as systemic changes take time to mature. However, public institutions earn true legitimacy not by claiming perfection, but by demonstrating a transparent willingness to enforce high standards and remain strictly accountable to the people they serve.
Defusing Tensions in Osun State
IGP Disu’s timely intervention in Osun State successfully defused escalating pre-election tensions by securing a critical pact to arrest political agitators, regardless of their status. By removing perceived political shields, the state government granted law enforcement full authority to apprehend anyone inciting violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election. This breakthrough, paired with the IGP’s guarantee of absolute police neutrality and his promise to restructure local specialized units, marks a vital step toward eliminating partisan bias and restoring public confidence in the police force. To back these institutional reassurances, the strategic deployment of tactical reinforcements will actively suppress crime, protect voters, and preserve public order across the state. By convening a diverse stakeholders’ forum, this high-level intervention has effectively transformed the regional narrative from conflict into a peaceful democratic process while reviving essential grassroots intelligence sharing. Through this unified collaboration among law enforcement, local monarchs, and vigilante networks, Osun State is firmly positioned to conduct a free, fair, and credible off-cycle governorship election on August 15, 2026.
