Federal Government Officially Presents New Police Regulations to IGP Disu
The Federal Government, acting through the Ministry of Police Affairs, has formally handed over the newly gazetted Nigerian Police Regulations to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for comprehensive implementation. This pivotal ceremony represents a major step in the ongoing efforts to modernize and reform the Nigeria Police Force.
Minister Gaidam Highlights Legal Backing and Reform Objectives
Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, emphasized that this initiative is firmly supported by Section 138 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020. He urged the IGP to ensure strict compliance with the new regulations to reposition the force in alignment with global best practices.
"This ceremony marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to reposition the Nigeria Police Force into a modern, accountable, and citizen-focused institution," Gaidam stated. "The Nigerian Police Regulations 2025, signed in November 2025 and gazetted in February 2026, represent a renewed commitment to professionalism, discipline, transparency, and the rule of law."
The minister stressed the critical need to update policing frameworks, noting that 21st-century policing demands systems that are fully aligned with democratic values and international standards. According to his remarks, these regulations are specifically designed to strengthen accountability mechanisms, provide clear operational guidelines, and enhance overall service delivery, in direct support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's broader reform agenda.
Extensive Consultations and Key Stakeholder Involvement
Minister Gaidam disclosed that the development of this crucial document involved extensive and wide-ranging consultations with key stakeholders. These included the Police Service Commission, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, the Association of Retired Police Officers, development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme, and numerous civil society groups.
In his own remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, described the presentation as a major milestone toward building a more accountable and globally competitive police institution. He underscored the importance of this transition from outdated frameworks to a modern regulatory system.
Key Reforms and Provisions of the New Regulations
The newly introduced regulations officially replace the outdated 1943 Police framework and introduce several transformative reforms. Among the most significant provisions are:
- Establishment of Special Units: The regulations empower the Inspector-General of Police to establish special task forces or quick response units specifically designed to address emerging security threats. These units will operate with clearly defined mandates and strict timelines.
- Enhanced Recruitment Standards: The guidelines set new, rigorous recruitment standards, requiring all prospective constables to pass written examinations in English, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. Notably, all examinations must be conducted exclusively in the English language.
- Property Disposal Protocol: The regulations mandate that any unclaimed property held in police custody for over one year must be disposed of through public auction. This process is subject to due notice being published in national newspapers to ensure transparency.
- Recall of Retired Officers: The IGP is empowered to recall retired officers who possess relevant expertise to serve in advisory or think-tank capacities. This provision aims to leverage experienced personnel for addressing specific and complex security challenges.
- Suspect Charging Timeline: A critical human rights provision requires that suspects be formally charged to court within 48 hours of arrest. In difficult terrains, this timeline is extended to a maximum of three days, reinforcing due process and compliance with human rights standards.
IGP Disu's Commitment to Full Implementation
In his response, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu pledged the full and unwavering implementation of the new regulations. He described them as a clear reflection of a collective national commitment to fundamentally reform the police force.
"Together, we will build trust and a safer Nigeria," the IGP affirmed, highlighting the collaborative spirit necessary for the success of these reforms.
The handover ceremony signifies a decisive move away from colonial-era policing models toward a system that prioritizes accountability, professionalism, and public trust. The successful implementation of these regulations is now seen as a crucial test for the Nigeria Police Force's ability to adapt to contemporary security demands and societal expectations.
