By Dr. Capt. Luqman A. Gidado (Rtd)
Security remains one of the most important responsibilities of any government, and the effectiveness of the police is often the first measure by which citizens assess the strength of the state. In Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force has long faced enormous challenges ranging from violent crimes and terrorism to kidnapping, banditry, cybercrime and communal conflicts. At the same time, the institution has not been immune from criticism over issues of professionalism, accountability, inadequate logistics and public trust. These concerns are legitimate and should never be ignored.
However, while institutions must be held accountable for their shortcomings, fairness equally requires that genuine reforms and measurable progress receive due recognition. Constructive criticism strengthens institutions, but constant negativity without acknowledging improvements risks discouraging dedicated personnel and undermining public confidence.
Since assuming office, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu has embarked on a determined effort to reposition the Nigeria Police Force into a more professional, intelligence-driven and citizen-focused institution. His leadership has emphasized operational efficiency, intelligence-led policing, improved officer welfare, technological innovation, institutional discipline, community partnership and stronger collaboration with other security agencies.
The objective is not merely to fight crime more effectively but also to rebuild public confidence in policing as an essential pillar of democratic governance. The results of these efforts are increasingly becoming evident across the country.
One of the defining characteristics of the current leadership has been the renewed emphasis on intelligence-led policing. Modern policing is no longer driven solely by routine patrols or reactive responses to crime. It increasingly depends on actionable intelligence, technological support and proactive disruption of criminal networks before attacks occur. Under IGP Disu’s leadership, police formations have strengthened intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational planning, enabling officers to respond more effectively to emerging threats.
Recent operations across the federation demonstrate this renewed operational focus. Police operatives have dismantled kidnapping syndicates, arrested armed robbery suspects, rescued kidnapped victims, recovered sophisticated firearms and neutralised dangerous criminal elements in several states. These operations have significantly disrupted criminal activities and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
A notable example was the swift response by police operatives in Plateau State, who foiled an attempted breach at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. Officers successfully neutralised an armed suspect and recovered an AK-47 rifle, preventing what could have become a serious security incident at one of Nigeria’s foremost policy institutions. Such timely intervention demonstrated operational preparedness, professionalism and the importance of proactive policing.
Beyond Plateau State, coordinated nationwide operations have produced encouraging outcomes. In Akwa Ibom and Enugu States, police operatives dismantled kidnapping rings, rescued victims and recovered dangerous weapons. In the South-West, Operation Kosaye has intensified operations against cult groups, armed robbers and other violent criminals, restoring confidence in communities previously affected by insecurity. In Rivers State, security operatives have sustained efforts against oil theft and organised criminal networks, while in the Federal Capital Territory intelligence-led patrols and targeted operations have strengthened the fight against violent crime and criminal gangs.
Northern Nigeria has equally witnessed sustained operational pressure against bandits and organised criminal groups. Commissioners of Police across Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Kogi, Niger and neighbouring states have intensified coordinated operations, leading to arrests, recovery of illegal firearms and disruption of criminal hideouts. These achievements demonstrate that effective policing is increasingly becoming a nationwide effort driven by both local leadership and central strategic coordination.
Aside operational successes, the current leadership has also pursued institutional reforms designed to improve professionalism, accountability and service delivery. Recognising that operational effectiveness must be complemented by institutional integrity, greater emphasis has been placed on discipline, command responsibility and ethical policing. Internal accountability mechanisms have continued to receive attention to ensure that allegations of misconduct are investigated promptly while officers found culpable face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.
The Force has also accelerated efforts to modernise policing through technology. Digital intelligence gathering, improved criminal databases, enhanced communication systems, electronic surveillance and technology-assisted investigations are gradually becoming integral components of policing. These initiatives not only improve operational efficiency but also strengthen transparency, evidence gathering and investigative capacity in an increasingly digital security environment.
Equally important has been renewed attention to officer welfare and professional development. Every successful security institution depends on motivated personnel. Under the present leadership, greater emphasis has been placed on training, retraining, leadership development, specialised tactical instruction and continuous professional education. Investments in human capital remain essential because a well-trained and motivated police officer is better equipped to discharge constitutional responsibilities professionally and responsibly. Continued advocacy for improved welfare, better accommodation, modern operational equipment and enhanced healthcare will further strengthen morale and productivity.
One significant development reflecting institutional maturity was the recent meeting between IGP Disu and nine former Inspectors-General of Police at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The gathering brought together distinguished retired police leaders who shared valuable institutional experience and strategic perspectives on improving policing in Nigeria. Their engagement underscored an important principle often overlooked in institutional reform: sustainable progress depends not only on new ideas but also on institutional memory. Drawing on the wisdom and experience of former leaders provides continuity, strengthens policy implementation and enriches ongoing reform efforts.
Another remarkable feature of the current policing strategy has been the strengthening of inter-agency collaboration. Contemporary security threats are increasingly interconnected and cannot be addressed by a single institution acting in isolation. Terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, oil theft, transnational organised crime and violent extremism require coordinated responses involving multiple agencies.
The Nigeria Police Force has therefore continued to strengthen operational cooperation with the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other security and law enforcement institutions. Intelligence sharing, joint operations, coordinated patrols and unified strategic planning have improved the country’s collective response to complex security challenges. This collaborative approach should be further strengthened because no security agency can achieve lasting success without the support and cooperation of others.
Community policing has equally remained an important pillar of the reform agenda. Effective policing cannot succeed without public trust and community partnership. Citizens remain the most important source of intelligence for law enforcement agencies. Building stronger relationships with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, market associations, educational institutions, civil society organisations and community development groups will significantly improve crime prevention, intelligence gathering and public confidence. The police must continue to engage communities not merely as recipients of security services but as active partners in maintaining peace and public order.
Despite these encouraging developments, the journey towards a modern and globally competitive police service remains a work in progress. Sustaining the current momentum requires consistency, adequate investment and unwavering political commitment.
First, intelligence-led policing should continue to receive priority attention through greater investment in forensic science, crime mapping, biometric identification systems, artificial intelligence, cybercrime capabilities and integrated criminal databases. Criminals are increasingly deploying sophisticated technology, and law enforcement must remain ahead through innovation and continuous adaptation.
Second, government must continue to improve police funding. Modern policing requires modern equipment, reliable mobility, effective communication infrastructure, protective gear, forensic laboratories, digital investigation tools and well-equipped command-and-control centres. Reform without adequate resources cannot produce sustainable outcomes.
Third, officer welfare should remain central to the reform agenda. Improved remuneration, decent accommodation, comprehensive healthcare, insurance, psychological support, merit-based promotion and continuous capacity development will not only improve morale but also reinforce professionalism and ethical conduct.
Fourth, accountability must remain non-negotiable. Public trust can only be sustained when officers who uphold the highest standards of integrity are recognised and rewarded, while those found guilty of misconduct are investigated transparently and sanctioned in accordance with the law. Accountability strengthens institutions because it protects both citizens and the overwhelming majority of honest officers who faithfully discharge their responsibilities.
Also important is the need to deepen inter-agency coordination. Security agencies should continue to eliminate operational rivalry, strengthen intelligence fusion, conduct more joint operations and institutionalise regular strategic coordination. A seamless national security architecture, anchored on cooperation rather than competition, will significantly improve Nigeria’s capacity to confront terrorism, kidnapping, organised crime and other emerging threats.
Finally, Nigerians also have a critical role to play. Security is a shared responsibility. Citizens must continue to support the Police by providing timely and credible intelligence, reporting suspicious activities, cooperating with lawful investigations and respecting the rule of law. Public confidence grows when citizens see the police as partners rather than adversaries, while the police equally earn that confidence through professionalism, courtesy, transparency and respect for human rights. Constructive engagement between law enforcement and the public remains indispensable to sustainable national security.
The Nigeria Police Force has travelled a long road, and significant challenges undoubtedly remain. Nevertheless, ongoing reforms under IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu demonstrate that meaningful progress is possible when leadership is guided by professionalism, strategic vision and institutional commitment. Operational successes, intelligence-led policing, technological innovation, improved training, stronger accountability mechanisms and enhanced collaboration are gradually laying the foundation for a more responsive and effective police service.
Constructive criticism will always remain necessary in a democratic society, but fairness equally demands that genuine progress be acknowledged. Institutions improve not only through criticism but also through encouragement of excellence and recognition of measurable achievements.
Ultimately, the future of policing in Nigeria depends on a shared commitment between government, the Police and the Nigerian people. Government must continue to provide the resources required for effective policing. The Police must remain steadfast in upholding professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law. Citizens, on their part, should continue to support lawful policing through cooperation, credible information sharing and civic responsibility.
A safer Nigeria cannot be built by the Police alone. It requires collective commitment, stronger inter-agency coordination, responsible citizenship and unwavering support for institutional reforms. If the current reform momentum is sustained with consistency, transparency and integrity, the Nigeria Police Force will continue to evolve into a modern institution that not only enforces the law but also earns the enduring confidence, respect and trust of the Nigerian people.
Dr. Capt. Luqman A. Gidado (Rtd) is a Security Consultant, Public Affairs Analyst and Military Veteran. He is a distinguished military veteran and accomplished security strategist with extensive expertise in defence, community policing, civil-military relations, strategic communication, security consultancy, and security sector reform. A retired officer of the Nigerian Army, he combines years of practical field experience with scholarly excellence in addressing complex and evolving security challenges.
He holds a PhD in Security and Strategic Studies, bringing significant academic depth to his professional engagements. Dr. Gidado is a professional member of the International Institute of Professional Security (IIPS) and is widely recognized for his contributions to advancing national and global security standards, particularly through strategic communication and media engagement. He has authored and published numerous articles in reputable academic and professional journals, contributing meaningfully to contemporary discourse on security, governance, peacebuilding, and civil-military relations.
