By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
The appointment of Tunji Disu as the Acting Inspector-General of Police has generated widespread reactions across Nigeria, with security experts, community leaders, and civil society groups expressing hope that his leadership will usher in a renewed approach to tackling the country’s complex security challenges.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the appointment at a time when Nigeria faces multiple security threats ranging from banditry and kidnapping to terrorism, communal clashes, cybercrime, and organized criminal networks. Observers say the new Acting IGP assumes office at a critical moment that requires strategic thinking, professionalism, and public trust in law enforcement.
Mr. Disu is widely regarded within policing circles as a disciplined officer with significant operational and administrative experience. His previous assignments within the Nigeria Police Force exposed him to complex security environments and modern policing methods. Analysts believe this background could prove valuable as the police attempt to reposition themselves to effectively respond to evolving threats across the country.
Nigeria’s security landscape has changed dramatically in the last decade. Insurgency in the North-East linked to groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, banditry across parts of the North-West, secessionist tensions in the South-East, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and rising urban crime have placed enormous pressure on security institutions. These challenges have also exposed structural weaknesses in policing, including inadequate manpower, outdated equipment, intelligence gaps, and strained police-community relations.
Security analysts say addressing these issues will require a shift from traditional reactive policing to intelligence-driven and technology-based operations. Strengthening surveillance systems, expanding forensic capabilities, improving digital crime tracking, and investing in data-led policing could help the police anticipate threats rather than simply responding after crimes occur.
Community policing is also expected to play a central role under the new Acting IGP. Many experts believe that rebuilding trust between citizens and the police is essential for gathering credible intelligence and preventing crime. When communities see the police as partners rather than adversaries, cooperation increases and security agencies gain valuable grassroots information that can disrupt criminal networks.
Another major issue requiring urgent attention is police welfare and capacity building. Officers across the country continue to operate under difficult conditions, often lacking modern tools, adequate insurance, and proper accommodation. Improving these conditions would significantly boost morale and efficiency within the force.
Training programmes focused on counterterrorism, cybercrime investigation, crisis response, and modern investigative techniques are also necessary to strengthen operational performance.
Observers also emphasize that the success of the new Acting IGP will depend greatly on institutional support from the Federal Government. Increased funding for the Nigeria Police Force, improved logistics, modern communication systems, patrol vehicles, and technology-driven command centers will be crucial. Legislative backing for policing reforms and better coordination between security agencies are equally important.
Beyond government support, Nigerians themselves have a role to play in ensuring a safer country. Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement, provide timely information, and avoid shielding criminal elements within their communities. Security experts say no policing system can succeed without public collaboration and trust.
The appointment of Tunji Disu therefore represents not only a leadership transition but also an opportunity for reform within Nigeria’s policing architecture. Many stakeholders hope that his tenure will focus on professionalism, accountability, intelligence-led operations, and improved relationships with the public.
As the new Acting Inspector-General settles into office, expectations remain high that decisive leadership, institutional reform, and national cooperation will help restore confidence in policing and strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity. With the right support from government, security agencies, and citizens, analysts believe the new police leadership can make meaningful progress toward a safer and more stable nation.