By Adesakin Adefemi
The Nigeria Police Force has renewed its pledge to accountability and professionalism with a strengthened Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU), offering citizens a direct channel to report misconduct and unprofessional conduct by officers nationwide.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu made the announcement on Wednesday during an emergency conference with Commissioners of Police and members of the press at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre in Abuja. He said the unit remains operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure no complaint goes unaddressed.
According to the IGP, the CRU provides the public with a platform to report cases including abuse of office, extortion, human rights violations and other unethical behaviour involving police personnel. He stressed that the initiative is central to ongoing reforms aimed at restoring public trust in the Force.
Disu emphasized that accountability is a core pillar of the police reform agenda and assured that all legitimate complaints from citizens will receive prompt attention and appropriate action. He noted that the Force is determined to create a system where officers are held responsible for their conduct while on duty.
The IGP also called on Nigerians to use the available complaint channels responsibly, saying public cooperation is vital to building a more transparent and people-centered police institution. He warned against false or malicious reports that could undermine the credibility of the process.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated that all reports received through the CRU are handled with seriousness and confidentiality. It assured that disciplinary measures will continue to be applied against officers found culpable after thorough investigations.
Disu said the move reflects the Force’s determination to strengthen institutional integrity through transparency, responsiveness and respect for the rule of law. He added that the police leadership is committed to fostering a culture where professionalism is rewarded and misconduct is not tolerated.
The announcement comes amid sustained calls for police accountability and improved citizen-police relations across the country. The CRU was originally established to bridge the gap between the public and the Force by providing a safe and accessible reporting mechanism.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, confirmed that the unit will continue to serve as a critical link between Nigerians and the police command structure, urging citizens to report any misconduct without fear of reprisal.
