Police must adapt to emerging threats, IGP tells senior officers

Olatunji Disu, Inspector-General of Police, has called on senior police officers across the country to embrace innovation, strengthen professionalism, and champion ongoing reform initiatives aimed at transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a more accountable and effective institution.

Disu made the call on Friday while declaring the five-day Operational Change and Leadership (OCL) Course held at the Nigeria Police Institute in Abuja.

Addressing Superintendents and Chief Superintendents of Police who participated in the programme, the IGP stressed that modern policing requires leaders who are adaptable, accountable, technologically driven, and capable of responding effectively to emerging security threats and the changing expectations of citizens.

He urged the officers to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to improve leadership standards, operational effectiveness, professionalism, respect for human rights, and overall service delivery within their respective commands and formations.

According to him, participants should see themselves as agents of positive change within the Force by promoting intelligence-led policing, evidence-based decision-making, and technology-driven strategies for crime prevention and public safety.

Disu noted that the increasingly complex security environment facing the country demands innovative leadership capable of navigating contemporary policing challenges while maintaining public confidence and trust.

Also speaking at the event, Olu Ogunsakin, Coordinator of the Police Reform Secretariat and Director-General of the National Institute of Police Studies, described police reform as a continuous process that requires dedicated leadership and a willingness to embrace institutional change.

Ogunsakin explained that the Operational Change and Leadership Course was specifically designed to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to strengthen accountability, improve operational performance, and drive institutional transformation across the Nigeria Police Force.

He emphasized that sustainable reform efforts can only succeed when officers at all levels demonstrate commitment to professional excellence and organizational development.

The Inspector-General also used the occasion to acknowledge the contributions of international and local partners supporting police reform efforts in Nigeria.

He expressed appreciation to the Government of Germany, the United Nations Development Programme, the GS Foundation, the CLEEN Foundation, the Police Reform Secretariat, and other development partners for their continued support towards police reform, leadership development, institutional capacity building, and the modernization of police training institutions across the country.

The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to building a professional, accountable, intelligence-led, and citizen-focused policing institution through sustained capacity development programmes and the implementation of reform initiatives aimed at enhancing public trust, improving operational efficiency, and delivering better policing services to Nigerians.