Disu’s Reform Drive: Pushing State Police, Professionalism to the Forefront

Disu’s Reform Drive: Pushing State Police, Professionalism to the Forefront

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

Since his appointment on February 24, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu has moved with unusual speed to reshape policing in Nigeria, combining structural reforms with a renewed insistence on discipline and accountability.

Barely days after assuming office, and following his confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council on March 2, 2026, Disu signalled his priorities.

On March 4, 2026, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, he held his first strategic conference with senior officers and inaugurated a high-level committee to develop a framework for the long-debated state police system.

That early move set the tone for what has become a defining agenda of his leadership.

At the inauguration, Disu described the assignment as both urgent and necessary, stressing that Nigeria must rethink its policing model in the face of evolving security threats.

“It is my greatest privilege to formally inaugurate this committee on state policing. The task before this committee is both significant and timely,” he said.

The committee, led by a team of experts, has since outlined a phased transition plan expected to run over five years. The roadmap begins with constitutional amendments and legal backing, followed by recruitment, training and eventual deployment of state police personnel.

If implemented as proposed, the first batch of recruits is projected to emerge between 2027 and 2028; marking a gradual shift from a centralised policing structure to one that gives states greater responsibility for local security.

The financial cost is substantial, with projections running into hundreds of billions of naira, but Disu has consistently framed the reform as a long-term investment in national stability.

“If thoughtfully designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for our country,” he noted, pointing to improved intelligence gathering and faster response to threats at the community level.

Beyond policy direction, the IGP has also focused on internal reform. At a decoration ceremony held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall in Abuja, he delivered a firm message to newly promoted senior officers, warning that rank must come with responsibility.

“There will be zero tolerance for indiscipline, abuse of office, corruption, or dereliction of duty,” he said, reinforcing a culture of accountability within the Force.

His reform efforts also include leadership training programmes for senior officers, developed in collaboration with international partners, as well as a renewed emphasis on merit-based promotions and mentorship for younger personnel.

Observers say Disu’s approach reflects both urgency and structure; moving quickly to initiate reforms while laying out clear frameworks for implementation.

The push for state police, in particular, has drawn attention as one of the most ambitious security reforms in recent years. For many communities grappling with insecurity, the prospect of decentralised policing offers hope for quicker and more localised responses.

While debates continue over the risks and safeguards required, Disu’s actions suggest a determination to move beyond theory and begin practical steps toward implementation.

In just a short period, his leadership has combined policy direction with institutional discipline, two elements many believe are critical to restoring confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

As the reforms unfold, expectations remain high. But for now, the early signals from Disu’s tenure point to a clear objective: a more responsive, accountable and modern police system that reflects the realities of Nigeria’s security challenges.

Joel Oladele is a journalist and a public affairs analyst. He writes from Abuja

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