IGP Disu Pledges Inclusive Policing, Greater Protection for PWDs

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has pledged to strengthen inclusive policing and ensure greater involvement of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in policing, particularly during the forthcoming general election.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Wednesday, the police said Disu received a delegation of TAF Africa, led by its Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Dr Jake Epelle, at the IGP’s Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The delegation included the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Mrs Brenda Anyanwu; Executive Director of TAF Africa, Mr Mayowa Aderibigbe; Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), Mr Agaba Jacob; and other members of TAF Africa, NAB and NWTF.

In his remarks, Epelle commended the leadership of the Inspector-General, describing his administration as one that has “intentionally embraced inclusive policing in the exercise of its mandate to protect lives and property.”

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He also commended Disu for the professionalism and effectiveness of police personnel deployed during the recently concluded off-cycle elections across the country, particularly the Osun State election.

Epelle appealed to the IGP to advance “a smart security architecture that is inclusive of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).”

He also sought Disu’s approval to organise the first Inclusive Security Summit, which is to be funded by the European Union, and requested that the IGP be present to declare the summit open.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund called for “a strategic collaboration with the Force Gender Unit to strengthen gender inclusivity within the Nigeria Police Force.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Agaba Jacob, advocated “for the greater involvement of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in policing, particularly in intelligence-related assignments.”

Jacob also called for enhanced protection of PWDs, who, according to the statement, remain among the most vulnerable to crime, including sexual offences.

The delegation further called for disability-focused policing and “the development of structured frameworks for personnel engagement with the PWD community.”

Responding, Disu described the visit as “an eye-opener” and reiterated his commitment to “training and retraining personnel on effective and dignified engagement with the PWD community.”

He said this was in line with the Force’s recognition of the vulnerability and rights of PWDs under relevant national and international laws.

The IGP further pledged the inclusion of PWDs in policing, particularly during the forthcoming general election.

He assured that measures would be put in place to enable persons living with disabilities “exercise their franchise freely, without humiliation or intimidation.”

The engagement highlights calls for stronger collaboration between the police, disability organisations and other stakeholders to develop a security system that adequately responds to the needs of vulnerable groups.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents, without discrimination, through “more inclusive and intentional policing.”