The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police, alleging nepotism and warning that the new police chief faces deeply entrenched corruption, impunity and indiscipline within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
In a strongly worded statement, the civil rights group accused the President of bypassing what it described as a more senior officer in favour of a junior one, alleging ethnic bias in the process. HURIWA described the decision as a continuation of what it called “nepotism in appointments of strategic security heads.”
Beyond its criticism of the appointment, the group said the new IGP must confront systemic decay within the force, arguing that promises alone would not fix what it termed “hydraheaded monsters of impunity, indiscipline, and utter disrespect to human rights.”
HURIWA urged Disu to “hit the ground running” by addressing internal divisions within the police and rebuilding public trust eroded by what it described as the “criminal tendencies of many serving police operatives.”
The group specifically called on the new police chief to revive the moribund Human Rights Desks across police commands nationwide. According to HURIWA, strengthening these units would serve as a first practical step toward restoring professionalism and accountability within the force.
It also urged Disu to improve officers’ working conditions, describing many police barracks and stations across the country as unfit for modern policing. “The new IGP should clean up the dirty barracks and police stations around the country and establish modern, hygienic facilities so officers can work in clean environments,” the group stated.
HURIWA further accused operatives from the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja of allegedly carrying out extrajudicial arrests in states such as Anambra, Enugu, and Imo, transferring detainees to Abuja and releasing them after alleged extortion. It called on Disu to immediately halt what it described as abusive practices tied to “kangaroo petitions” and unlawful detention.
The group cited a recent case involving a woman it identified as Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, alleging that police operatives mishandled her in connection with a contractual dispute. HURIWA argued that such incidents undermine public confidence and contradict the reform pledges made by the new IGP.
Disu, who was decorated at the State House in Abuja by President Tinubu, declared that “the era of impunity is over” in the Nigeria Police Force. Speaking to State House correspondents after the ceremony, he pledged zero tolerance for corruption and human rights abuses.
“I will let them know that the era of impunity is over,” Disu said. “I will ensure that I train them and encourage them to follow human rights. I will try to follow a regime of zero tolerance to corruption.”
He emphasised citizen-centred policing, stating that Nigerians—not politicians—are the ultimate authority the police must serve.
“One of the first lectures I’m going to have with my men, I’m going to talk to them and let them know that the citizen of the country is the boss. No police anywhere in the world can succeed without the cooperation of members of the public,” he declared.
Disu also pledged to prioritise officer welfare, noting that motivated personnel are more likely to perform effectively. “I’m going to ensure that I take their welfare into consideration, because people who are motivated put in their best,” he said.
However, HURIWA dismissed the statements as “the usual sweet talks of newly appointed Inspectors-General of Police,” arguing that previous police chiefs had made similar pledges without delivering structural reforms.
The group challenged Disu to publicly release a detailed blueprint outlining timelines, measurable indicators, and operational mechanisms for tackling corruption, police brutality, and indiscipline within the ranks.
“We challenge the new IGP to publicise to Nigerians his agenda and a clear blueprint stating the indicators and timelines of actualisation,” HURIWA said. “He should put his money where his mouth is and clearly map out implementable mechanisms to minimise corruption, indiscipline and lack of professionalism.”
HURIWA concluded by urging the new IGP to institutionalise regular dialogue with the public and adopt transparent strategies aimed at rebuilding trust between citizens and the police.
As Disu begins his tenure, the expectations are high. For rights advocates, the challenge is clear: beyond rhetoric, they want measurable reform. Whether the new IGP can translate his promises into structural change within one of Nigeria’s most criticised institutions remains to be seen.