By Lanre Olagunju
Nigeria’s policing debate must move beyond criticism to address funding, institutional support and shared public responsibility.
Public discourse around policing in Nigeria is often shaped by frustration. Reports of misconduct, delayed responses, weak investigations and broader security lapses continue to dominate conversations. Citizens understandably demand a police force that is professional, accountable, efficient and capable of addressing the country’s complex security challenges.
However, beneath these expectations lies a critical question: has Nigeria created the conditions necessary for such a police force to thrive?
Since assuming office, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has sought to redefine the tone of policing, with a focus on intelligence-led operations, accountability, improved welfare and operational effectiveness.
Across multiple states, police operations have resulted in the arrest of suspected kidnappers, terrorists, armed robbers and cultists. Authorities have also recorded rescues of victims and recovery of weapons. The establishment of a Violent Crime Response Unit signals a shift toward more specialised responses to violent crime. Meanwhile, disciplinary actions against erring officers suggest a renewed commitment to internal accountability.
A notable feature of the current leadership approach is its balance between discipline and motivation. The Inspector-General has adopted what insiders describe as a “carrot-and-stick” strategy—sanctioning misconduct while rewarding professionalism. A recent example is the promotion of over 17,000 junior officers nationwide, aimed at boosting morale and recognising diligence.
These efforts must be viewed against the broader realities confronting the Nigeria Police Force. With a population exceeding 200 million, the force operates with limited resources when compared on a per-officer basis to counterparts in developed countries. While comparisons with institutions such as the New York Police Department may not be exact, they highlight a key issue: Nigerian officers are often expected to deliver world-class performance despite inadequate funding, poor equipment, ageing infrastructure and welfare challenges.
This exposes a deeper contradiction in the national conversation.
Nigeria’s political and economic elite frequently demand policing standards comparable to those in London, New York or Toronto. Yet there is limited reflection on whether equivalent investments have been made in training, technology, welfare and recruitment.
Equally revealing is the question of perception. How many among the elite would encourage their children—educated in top institutions globally—to pursue careers in the Nigeria Police Force? The reluctance underscores a societal contradiction: an institution expected to deliver excellence is often regarded as an unattractive career path for the country’s brightest minds.
Sustained criticism without corresponding support creates a cycle that undermines reform. Nations with highly respected police institutions achieved that status through deliberate investments in capacity, welfare, technology and public trust—not criticism alone.
This is not to diminish the importance of accountability. Nigerians have a legitimate right to demand professionalism from law enforcement. Abuse of power, corruption and human rights violations must be addressed decisively.
However, accountability in isolation cannot build a capable institution.
Effective policing depends on adequate funding, training, intelligence systems, logistics, housing, healthcare, career progression and strong community cooperation. Without these foundations, reforms are unlikely to produce lasting impact.
The Nigeria Police Force, as it stands today, reflects the broader system that sustains it. While long-term reforms remain essential, the country cannot afford to weaken or alienate the institution responsible for internal security. Combating insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and organised crime requires a functional police force backed by both government and citizens.
Support does not imply blind loyalty. Rather, it demands a balanced approach: citizens must continue to demand accountability, governments must provide adequate resources, and communities must cooperate with law enforcement. At the same time, police leadership must sustain reforms that enhance professionalism and rebuild public trust.
Ultimately, the success of the current leadership will not be measured solely by arrests, promotions or policy initiatives, but by the institutionalisation of reforms and the gradual restoration of public confidence.
For now, the conversation on policing in Nigeria must evolve. While it is necessary to question the police, it is equally important to question the system and society that shape the institution.
The police Nigerians desire cannot emerge from a system they are unwilling to support.
Until that changes, the gap between expectation and reality will remain a significant challenge in Nigeria’s security landscape.
Lanre Olagunju writes from Abuja.
