The Hurdles Facing Acting Inspector General Tunji Disu

While it is premature to definitively assess the tenure of the newly appointed acting Inspector General of Police, Rilwan Olatunji Disu, his leadership will be defined by how he addresses the numerous challenges confronting the Nigerian Police Force.

My personal acquaintance with Disu is limited, primarily stemming from a shared experience as awardees at a 2017 Nigerian Union of Journalists event in Lagos. During a brief interaction, we discussed the prevailing security landscape in Lagos and the crucial relationship between the media and law enforcement. We touched upon the shared responsibility of both professions in protecting society, with journalists exposing rights violations and the police tasked with maintaining order.

However, my positive perception of Disu as a competent officer and a thorough professional predates that encounter. His previous leadership of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) from 2015 until 2017, notably with the slogan "The Good Guys," indicated a conscious effort to reshape the force's public image, moving away from negative stereotypes.

Disu's RRS initiative aimed to foster a more responsible and citizen-friendly approach to law enforcement. Through community engagement, crime mapping, and targeted strategies, "The Good Guys" sought to improve security and assist the public, exemplified by instances such as aiding a woman in labour during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Following Abba Kyari's departure, Disu took charge of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on August 2, 2021. Now, as the acting IGP, President Bola Tinubu has undoubtedly set expectations for him to address Nigeria's multifaceted security crises.

Disu arrives at a critical juncture, with Nigerians demanding greater professionalism, fairness, innovation, and effectiveness from the police in tackling security threats. A significant immediate challenge is the widely reported human rights abuse allegations involving the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, and a businesswoman, Mrs. Tracy Ohiri.

According to the allegations, Mrs. Ohiri claims she is owed approximately ₦250 million for campaign materials supplied to Mr. Umahi, with additional claims of breach of contract and accrued interest. Furthermore, she alleges sexual advances and threats from the minister to deter her from pursuing payment.

This situation has also brought renewed attention to the unresolved case of five engineers from NELAN Consulting Engineers who were allegedly abducted and killed in Ebonyi State in November 2021. Reports at the time indicated threats from Governor Umahi against the lead consultant.

The acting Inspector General is urged to reopen this case and provide clarity to the Nigerian public. The prolonged silence and apparent lack of concern surrounding the engineers' disappearance since 2021 highlight a critical need for police intervention.

Mrs. Ohiri's plight, characterized by financial hardship and family challenges, underscores the urgency of her situation. Recent protests in Abuja demanding her release followed her alleged confrontation with Mr. Umahi at the Federal Capital Territory Command headquarters, a meeting described by activist Omoyele Sowore as an attempt to intimidate her.

These instances of alleged human rights abuses by police personnel present a significant test for Disu. His approach to investigating and resolving such long-standing and contemporary cases will be crucial in establishing his commitment to fairness and his capacity to lead the nation's 23rd indigenous police boss effectively.

The upcoming 2027 general elections also loom large. Nigeria's political history is marked by the use of security forces to suppress opposition, a legacy rooted in colonial practices and reinforced through democratic eras, as noted by Samuel Igba in his research.

Past elections, such as the 1983 and 2014 polls, serve as stark reminders of how security apparatuses have been allegedly used to influence outcomes. The police force, at various times, has faced accusations of partisan conduct, leading to public distrust.

Disu's impartiality will be keenly watched as he navigates the pre-election period, particularly with off-season elections in Ekiti and Osun this year. His past role as Aide de Camp to President Bola Tinubu when he was Lagos State governor may fuel suspicions about his allegiance, making his commitment to national duty over party interests a key point of observation.

The competitive nature of the Osun gubernatorial election, involving the APC, Accord Party (incumbent), and ADC, raises concerns about potential federal police involvement to influence the results, recalling the events of 2014.

Currently, Disu has not faced significant criticism regarding his appointment. However, his success will hinge on his ability to effectively tackle these pressing issues and implement a new orientation for the police force. This analysis aims to provide well wishes for his new assignment.