IGP Disu’s anti-corruption drive gains momentum in Nigeria Police

While sweeping reform announcements often dominate public discourse, it is frequently the less publicised but deliberate internal actions that produce lasting institutional change.

Recent developments within the Nigeria Police Force point to what observers describe as a renewed push for accountability under the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

A case in point emerged in Delta State, where a viral video allegedly showed officers attached to the ‘C’ Division in Asaba extorting money from a motorist using a Point of Sale (POS) machine. The footage sparked widespread outrage, reinforcing long-standing public concerns about corruption within segments of the force.

However, beyond the misconduct itself, attention quickly shifted to the response from the police authorities. Under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, the officers involved — Inspector Augustine Jeremiah and Corporal Miracle Ehirim — were subjected to orderly room trial in line with established disciplinary procedures.

Police sources indicated that the action reflected a broader institutional directive from the IGP’s office prohibiting extortion in all forms, including the increasingly sophisticated use of electronic payment platforms within police formations.

The prohibition of POS machines and similar digital payment methods in operational environments signals what insiders describe as a proactive attempt to address evolving patterns of misconduct.

Although anti-corruption directives are not new within the force, observers note that what distinguishes the current approach is the consistency of enforcement.

For years, reform pledges were frequently met with skepticism due to perceived gaps between rhetoric and implementation. Under Disu’s leadership, however, there appears to be a deliberate emphasis on measurable enforcement, with disciplinary outcomes increasingly made public.

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Security analysts argue that sustainable reform in complex institutions such as the police is rarely achieved through abrupt overhauls. Instead, it is often built incrementally through sustained rule enforcement, internal reviews, and reinforcement of professional standards — a strategy that appears to underpin the current direction of the force.

Equally significant is the growing emphasis on public participation in accountability processes. In its reaction to the Delta incident, the state command acknowledged citizens who brought the misconduct to light and encouraged the use of designated Complaint Response Unit channels to report abuses. Such measures are viewed as part of a broader effort to foster collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Trust, experts say, remains the cornerstone of effective policing. Without it, intelligence gathering weakens and community cooperation declines. By taking visible action against erring officers, the police leadership is seeking to demonstrate institutional willingness to self-correct — a critical step in rebuilding public confidence.

The renewed focus on professionalism and respect for fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, also reflects what analysts describe as a philosophical shift within the force. Policing, beyond enforcing laws, carries the responsibility of protecting the dignity and rights of citizens. Addressing abuse of authority, therefore, is seen not merely as a disciplinary obligation but as a constitutional imperative.

Another dimension of the reform drive is deterrence. By ensuring that sanctions are not quietly buried, the leadership is reinforcing a culture where misconduct attracts consequences. Over time, such visibility can influence internal behaviour patterns, raising the cost of corrupt practices.

While public skepticism toward police reform is understandable given past experiences, analysts caution against dismissing incremental progress. The unfolding developments suggest an attempt to entrench accountability mechanisms that may, over time, reshape institutional culture.

Ultimately, rebuilding trust in the Nigeria Police Force requires both committed leadership and active civic engagement. As citizens continue to report misconduct and authorities respond with transparent enforcement, a more disciplined and accountable policing system may gradually take shape.

For now, the steady enforcement measures under IGP Disu’s leadership are being viewed as a notable step toward restoring credibility within one of the country’s most critical institutions.