From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Disu, has assured of improved training and equipment for the Nigeria Police, to enable them live up to rising security challenges in the country.
The IGP gave this assurance while fielding questions from newsmen at the Command headquarters, Enugu on Wednesday.
The visit which was his first to the command since his assumption of office in the month of March 2026, provided an opportunity for the IGP to participate in the commissioning of the DNA/Forensic Centre built by the Enugu state government in partnership with the management of Godfrey Okoye university.
The IGP said retraining of men of the Nigeria Police Force will enhance professionalism in the utmost task to reduce insecurity in the country to it’s barest minimum.
His words, “We are embarking on comprehensive training for our officers and men to upgrade them to meet the demands of the new laws guiding our operational activities. As the lead agency in the election process, we know we must continually update our thinking and operational knowledge to meet contemporary realities.
Disu emphasised the commitment of the Nigeria Police in collaboration with other security agencies in fighting the scourge in Nigeria.
He stated further, “We will continue to do our best alongside our sister security agencies to reduce insecurity. We have lost officers in the course of protecting Nigerians, but we remain committed to confronting criminality wherever it exists”.
Answering question on shortage of manpower in Enugu state, the IGP said it is a national problem,stating that even as the Federal government has given a mandate to recruit additional 50,000 police officers, his command is looking above that.
His words, “The President approved the recruitment of 50,000 personnel because of the manpower challenges confronting the Force. Those recruits are already undergoing training across the country, and considering the current realities, the recruitment may even exceed that number”.Disu revealed.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa,rolled out the successes in combating crimes and other crime related activities in Enugu state under his watch, amidst challenges.
He said the command with the assistant of the state government has continued to work relentlessly in the arduous task of reducing crime rate in Enugu state.
The commissioner, however, appealed for additional operational logistics, improved welfare packages, modern policing equipment and increased manpower.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, intelligence-led policing and stronger collaboration with communities and other security agencies in sustaining peace and security across Enugu State.
Prior to his visit to Enugu state police headquarters for an interaction with officials of the command, the IGP participated in the commissioning of the Centre for DNA, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, located at Ugwuomu Nike, established by the Enugu State Government in partnership with Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.
He commended Enugu state government and Godfrey Okoye university for the initiative, stating the centre willl strengthen the capacity of the police and build citizens’ confidence in the system.
IGP Disu stated, “For the Nigeria Police Force, this Centre represents enormous opportunities to strengthen investigations into homicide, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, sexual offences, human trafficking, missing persons, and other grave crimes.
“This Centre will equally provide opportunities for specialised training, scientific research, professional development, and knowledge exchange that will continue to improve investigative standards across our police formations.
“Citizens are more likely to trust the criminal justice system when investigations are transparent, impartial, and supported by credible evidence,” he stated.
The Enugu DNA centre has the capacity to enhance forensic investigation, criminal intelligence gathering and the administration of justice in Nigeria
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