As part of efforts to entrench rights-based policing, the Inspector-General of Police has inaugurated a leadership retreat focused on modern reforms and accountability within the Force.
The two-day Executive Leadership Retreat, which brings together Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), is being held in Abuja under the coordination of the Police Reform Secretariat in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Speaking at the opening session, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, described the retreat as a critical platform for driving sustainable reforms and repositioning the Nigeria Police Force for improved service delivery.
“This retreat represents a cornerstone of our reform agenda, aimed at building a modern, accountable, and people-oriented police institution,” the IGP said.
“At this level of leadership, you must be guided by vision, accountability, and the capacity to inspire public confidence in the discharge of your duties.”
He stressed that the success of the engagement would not be measured by deliberations alone, but by tangible improvements across commands nationwide.
“The true measure of this retreat will be reflected in visible progress in operational efficiency, discipline, and strict adherence to human rights across all formations of the Force,” he stated.
The IGP further underscored the importance of aligning policing practices with global standards, noting that the Force is committed to institutionalising reforms that promote transparency and professionalism.
“We are determined to entrench reforms that uphold the rule of law, protect citizens’ rights, and strengthen public trust in policing,” he added.
Also speaking, the Head of the Police Reform Secretariat and Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Professor Olu Ogunsakin, highlighted key milestones achieved under the Supporting Police Accountability and Transformation (SPAT) programme.
“Through the SPAT programme, we have recorded significant progress in repositioning the Nigeria Police Force for modern policing,” Ogunsakin said.
“Among these achievements is a fully revised national recruit curriculum, the first of its kind since 1968, as well as a rights-based framework embedded in the newly gazetted Nigeria Police Regulations 2025.”
He explained that the reforms are designed to align policing standards with contemporary realities and international best practices.
“These initiatives are transformative and are awaiting full implementation to strengthen professionalism, accountability, and service delivery within the Force,” he noted.
The retreat features a series of technical sessions covering critical areas such as evidence-based budgeting, community policing strategies, and digital transformation, all aimed at enhancing institutional capacity.
“The sessions are structured to equip senior officers with the tools required for strategic leadership and effective policing in a rapidly evolving security landscape,” the IGP said.
DCP Anthony Placid, the Force Public Relations Officer, reiterated the importance of the retreat in advancing the Force’s reform objectives.
“This engagement underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continuous improvement, innovation, and adherence to global best practices in policing,” Placid said.
“It is also a demonstration of our resolve to build a policing system that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people.”
He commended the support of international partners, particularly the UNDP and the German Federal Foreign Office, for their role in strengthening Nigeria’s policing framework.
“We deeply appreciate the support of our international partners whose collaboration continues to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force,” he added.
As the retreat continues through March 25, the Force leadership expressed optimism that the outcomes would translate into measurable improvements in policing standards and public confidence.
“We are confident that this retreat will produce actionable outcomes that will further reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a modern, professional, and people-centered institution,” Placid concluded.
