In a transformative moment for national security, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, officially received the gazetted Nigeria Police Force Regulations on April 15, 2026.
The handover ceremony, led by the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Gaidam, marks the formal transition of the Police Act 2020 from a legislative document into a practical operational framework for officers nationwide.
Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Action
The gazettement is being hailed as a critical bridge between law and everyday law enforcement. Professor Olu Ogunsakin, Head of the Police Reform Secretariat, emphasized during the ceremony that these regulations effectively move the reform agenda from high-level policy to on-the-ground implementation.
The Minister of Police Affairs reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to this modernization, stating that the effective rollout of these regulations is a top national security priority.
A Commitment to Rights-Based Policing
The new framework, established under Section 138 of the Police Act 2020, introduces a clear structure for a more professional and accountable force. IGP Disu described the development as a major milestone for the Force.
“The Regulations provide a clear framework for professional, accountable, and rights-based policing,” stated IGP Disu, who assured that accountability will remain the central pillar of his leadership.
This sentiment was echoed by Varsha Redkar-Palwankar, the UNDP Nigeria Deputy Resident Representative, who noted that the update signals a “clear commitment to translating the Police Act into everyday policing — grounded in human rights and gender responsiveness“.
Force-Wide Implementation and Integration
To ensure the reforms are not merely symbolic, the Inspector-General pledged immediate action. The Nigeria Police Force will begin force-wide dissemination and integrate the new rules into training and operational frameworks across all Commands and Formations.
The UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to standing alongside the NPF to ensure these reforms are fully realized. The project received vital international backing from the Government of Germany through the SPAAT project, underscoring global support for a professionalized Nigerian police service.
Stakeholder Collaboration for Reform
The landmark event saw a high-level gathering of stakeholders, including representatives from the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, and various civil society organizations.
The Nigeria Police Force concluded the ceremony by reiterating its goal to use these regulations to strengthen professionalism and, ultimately, rebuild public trust in law enforcement.
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